Health promotion and disease prevention among minorities

Abstract

Lifestyle and behavior are central to the acquisition and development of major chronic diseases. To influence lifestyle and behavior, health promoters must take into account the values, attitudes, culture, and life circumstances of the individual. If we are to achieve salutary changes in the health status of minority populations, health professionals and designers of health programs must cope with the extraordinary diversity of America’s populations. There are four generally recognized minority groups in the United States: Asian/ Pacific Islanders, African-Americans, Hispanics, and Native Americans. While about one out of five Americans belongs to one of these four groups, their population growth…