Fact or fiction? African Americans have disproportionately higher rates of cardiovascular disease-related risk factors such as hypertension, obesity and diabetes. A group of students attending Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Black Heritage Month community health fair on Tuesday, Feb. 13 were split in their responses. The answer is true.
“Studies show that African Americans are at a higher risk of hypertension, obesity and diabetes than someone of Caucasian descent because of culture, lifestyle, and healthcare options and opportunities,” said Maree Slack, sophomore in the SIUE School of Nursing and president of its Student Nurse Achievement Program (S.N.A.P).
Medical Facts for African Americans was one of four stations at the community health fair, “It Happened One Night.” The title of the health fair came from an episode of the television series, A Different World. In the episode, one of the characters wrongly believes she is pregnant, because she did not take protective cautions, according to Marissa Williams, Black Heritage Month chair. This year’s Black Heritage Month’s theme is named after the TV series.
“We wanted to have a community health event, because there are so many stereotypes and myths around black health in general,” said 
Williams. “The number one myth we want to debunk is that African Americans are invincible and don’t need as much medicine or healthcare as other ethnicities do. Another myth is that black people don’t have mental health problems.”
The other three stations at the community health fair included HIV testing, yoga and relaxation, and arts and crafts.
“HIV testing is critical to the African American community,” said Jasmond Hansborough, community education specialist with the East Side Health District, which sponsored the anonymous testing site on campus. “It’s important to your health and well-being to know your status. I cannot stress how critical it is for people to be tested. Everything is confidential.”
“Yoga is a good way for people to heal themselves, through the use of the movement of the body in proper form, meditation and general breath work,” said Meredith Brunner, a certified yoga instructor who conducted the yoga station at the health fair. Brunner, a senior majoring in psychology, is a yoga instructor with SIUE Campus Recreation. “Yoga deals with proper nutrition, diet and sleep.”
At the arts and crafts table, Amelia Williams passed out markers, colored pencils, small blocks of wood in the shape of the continent of Africa and coloring sheets of such notable African Americans as Madam C.J. Walker, Dr. Maulana Karenga, Mae C. Jemison and George Washington Carver.
“This is a ‘de-stress’ table. Coloring helps you relax,” said Williams.
For more upcoming events, visit SIUE Black Heritage Month.
Photos:
Maree’ Slack, sophomore in the SIUE School of Nursing and president of its Student Nurse Achievement Program (S.N.A.P), share some facts about black health at the SIUE Black Heritage Month community health fair.
Meredith Banner, a certified yoga instructor, helps Nea Sails, a senior majoring in public health, with some yoga moves.
Jasmond Hansborough, community education specialist with the East Side Health District, talks to a student about the importance of being tested for HIV.