Although death is the ultimate predicament for all human beings, women and men are predisposed to slightly different risks. Generally, women live longer than men, thus resulting in more older women and widows in society as opposed to their male counterparts. Experts attribute this to genetic factors as well as a general disposition towards life. For women, though, longevity is threatened by many health conditions.

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), the seven main causes of death for women are as follows:

Cardiovascular diseases

Over 288,000 women died from heart diseases in 2014 alone. Experts warn that eating food rich in cholesterol leads to constriction of heart muscles and blood vessels, thus putting one at risk of heart diseases. The high levels of stress emanating from work-family conflicts aggravate the situation.

Cancer

Experts have not managed to place a finger on what exactly causes cancer. However, there is strong evidence to suggest that sedentary lifestyles, poor eating habits, and exposure to harmful chemicals, especially in the chemicals we use and food, are the main risk factors for cancer. Even when cancer is genetic, these factors increase one’s vulnerability.  Cancers of the lung, breast, and colon are the most prevalent in that order.

Stroke

Stroke, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer result from largely the same factors.

Chronic lower respiratory diseases

According to Mnt.com, “Chronic lower respiratory disease (CLRD) is a collection of lung diseases that cause airflow blockage and breathing-related issues, including primarily chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) but also bronchitis, emphysema, and asthma.” The air we breathe is laced with chemicals emanating from industries, and this is especially true in urban areas.

Alzheimer’s disease

Loss of partial or full memory is becoming very common among aged women. Experts attribute this to diet, extraneous damage to the head as well as lifestyle choices.

Unintentional injuries (accidents)

Womenshealth.com asserts that “Nearly 180,000 people die every year from preventable injuries and violence, amounting to one death every three minutes.”

Diabetes

This is a lifestyle illness that can be inherited, although it also results from unstable sugar balance in the body owing to poor eating and exercise habits.

The way forward

If this situation is to be averted, women watch they and their families eat, engage in more physical exercises, and maintain a positive attitude towards life. This is necessary for all women, irrespective of or economic social class.

© EthLeen

The post America Women’s Health and Common Causes of Death appeared first on Alaafia African Family Resource Center.

In the definition of the American Dream by James Truslow Adams in 1931, “life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement” regardless of social class or circumstances of birth.

The American Dream is rooted in the Declaration of Independence, which proclaims that “all men are created equal” with the right to “Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

During my research it was interesting to find that the American dream and its success has many different definitions. Many studies have found that African Americans equate American dream success with obtaining wealth. Although, other studies show that African-American feel that the American dream has nothing to do with money. It is about finding your walk of life – the purpose that makes you whole and complete. Taking the path of your own choice is their ultimate definition of the American dream.

Other African-American feel that the American dream is not meant for them and is most assuredly not going to be a part of their children’s future. They feel this is due to the continued inequalities in education, housing and job market opportunities. If these three factors do not change the American dream will be out of reach for not only themselves but their children and their children’s children. They feel the American dream is something they can only read about. Of course, this once again brings up the question of what is your definition of the American dream. If in this group the American dream means only wealth than their responses may very well be a reality.

Another study conducted in 2010 shows that African-American are less likely to top their parents’ income and wealth than the white population and African-Americans are more likely to be stuck at the bottom of the income ladder or fall out of the middle. This study couldn’t measure African-Americans mobility in the upper income levels because the number was too small.

No matter how many studies are done and how many opinions you find the American dream for African-Americans and all people comes down to how you define it. If wealth is the only factor, then African-Americans may be at a disadvantage, but as other African-Americans have expressed the American dream to them has to do with finding their true purpose in life that makes them whole and complete. In that sense they are truly rich.

©EthLeen

The post What “American Dream Success” Meant for Africans appeared first on Alaafia African Family Resource Center.