Conditions
Heart disease remains one of the leading death causes among African Americans (see Fig. 1 (American Heart Association 1)). Among the key factors contributing to the development of the specified disorder, atherosclerosis caused by an unhealthy diet, as well as smoking and lack of physical exercise, should be listed.
Therefore, when defining the further course of action, one must consider the issue of the lifestyle of African Americans. Additionally, the living conditions thereof need to be taken into account as the major factors (Turner et al. 1261).
Inputs
The health issue in question was considered in an African American community in New York. According to the tests carried out among the target denizens of the population, 78% of the African Americans were in the risk area due to their unhealthy lifestyles, particularly improper dieting. Additionally, the lack of awareness on the subject matter deserves to be mentioned (Sharma 302).
Activities
To address the issues faced by the target community as well as prevent the instances of further development of CVD and other health disorders, a program on raising awareness among African Americans in New York was created. Moreover, an elaborate diet, including the consumption of vegetables and fruit (Trichopoulos 68) was created for the African Americans suffering from heart issues, and being under the threat of developing the latter, was suggested.
Outputs
The target denizens of the population were provided with booklets regarding the problem of heart diseases. Additionally, a survey allowing for an evaluation of African Americans’ lifestyle and its effects on heart issues rates among them was designed and distributed among the specified audience. Resources informing the members of the above-mentioned community regarding the existing treatment options, precaution measures, and the healthcare facilities available were also distributed among the target denizens of the population.
Outcomes
Several months after the introduction of the program, a considerable improvement in awareness regarding heart problems can be identified. Moreover, the subsequent surveys carried out among African Americans showed that 28% of the target denizens had reconsidered their lifestyle, switching to the diet suggested in the program and reconsidering the inclusion of vegetables and fruit in their diet.
Impact
It is expected that the set of measured undertaken to address the needs of the African American community in New York will allow building awareness among the specified members of the population, thus, reducing the heart disease rate in the community.
Works Cited
American Heart Association 2013, African Americans & Cardiovascular Diseases. Web.
Sharma, Alok. “Heart failure in African Americans: Disparities Can Be Overcome.” Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine 81.5 (2014): 301–311. Print.
Trichopoulos, Dimitrios. “Mediterranean Diet and Coronary Heart Disease.” Hospital Chronicles 7.2 (2012): 68–69. Print.
Turner, Barbara J., Christopher S. Hollenback, Yanyaun Liang, Kabita Pandit, and Shelly Joseph. “A Randomized Trial of Peer Coach and Office Staff Support to Reduce Coronary Heart Disease Risk in African-Americans with Uncontrolled Hypertension.” Internal Medicine 27.10 (2012): 1258-1264. Print.