What is the food craze? 

African Americans are known for their heavy cravings for seasoning and greasy foods but that does not make these cravings healthy or good for their bodies. These cravings often come from past habits that may have always been there or picked up from watching family and friends that are around African American households. When you are already at a disadvantage because of what may be hereditary in your family, African Americans should start taking actions on how they choose to eat and dress up their foods. Health issues concerning Africans Americans has been an ongoing battle and because there are no signs of slowing down or taking control of health issues, these issues do not seem to be easing up. This study does involve attendees of HBCU’s but there are a number of health issues that affect all Americans as a whole and not just one race. So, with that being said, what are the top health issues and diseases that affect African Americans today and what can be done to reduce these issues with in this race? When asked a participant about obesity they explained,

"Uhh obesity is rampant. So I see obesity all around on the campus. Uh yea, again, it’s a problem, not only is this limited to Jackson State but nationwide and clearly in Jackson Mississippi uh obesity is a problem."

The Top Health Isuues For African Americans

The top three health issues concerning African Americans is the cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and lack of vitamin D. Two of these top five killers of African Americans are geared toward poor choices African Americans make when it comes to food, diet and exercise. The Cardiovascular Disease is the number one killer of all Americans but several studies show it is far worse for African Americans who are at greater risk for coronary disease or stroke. Poor nutrition, lack of exercise, cigarette smoking and family history coupled with high blood pressure and cholesterol concerns are the significant contributors to the development of these diseases. Dr. Fowler says that proper nutrition and exercise is the key to reversing the downward spiral. He adds that eating fish like salmon, tuna and mackerel which contain omega 3 fatty acids can help significantly. Also, cholesterol and blood pressure lowering drugs can be beneficial. With diabetes, African Americans have more complications. Dr. Fowler recommends that regular consultations with a doctor are necessary and when nutrition alone does not help, closely monitored medication is a necessity.

Lastly, the Vitamin D Deficiency makes African Americans have larger amounts of melanin which filters sunlight and decreases the absorption of the sun’s rays necessary for Vitamin D production. Dr. Fowler says there are few sources of Vitamin D other than sunlight and milk. Cheese and other dairy products are less effective. In addition, many African Americans are lactose intolerant, so the most common food sources are not options. Vitamin D supplements are the answer (Udell 2012). In addition to HIV/AIDS, there are other issues facing African Americans including sexually transmitted diseases, lack of education and problems with using appropriate measures to eliminate the risk. Dr. Fowler says that the sometimes uncomfortable discussions about sex are crucial to the safety of sexually active individuals. A blood test can detect the disease and education can help stem the spread of the disease. Lastly, Lung, Breast, Colon and Prostate Cancer to which Dr. Fowler says that the medical and family history of patients is crucial. In addition, screenings such as a mammogram, colonoscopy, chest x-ray and blood tests for these diseases on a regular basis is essential. Dr. Fowler strongly recommends that everyone should begin getting colonoscopies at age 50; however, he and other experts say African Americans can reasonably begin having them at 45. Early screening can improve a person’s ten year survival rate by 80-90%. Exercise is also important in maintaining one’s health but patients should always consult with their doctor initially (Udell 2012). 

Analysis 

 As the researcher, focusing on this particular area of African Americans only enhance the need and want to actually conduct this research. College students, especially students who attend HBCU's should be educated on the dangers that individuals are causing to their bodies by not getting the adequate amount of foods a day let alone the healthy amount of foods that African Americans need to survive. These diseases and health issues should not be taken lightly across Historically black colleges and universities because African Americans have to take a stand in wanting to live a healthier and longer lasting life. When reading Dr. Fowlers tips to fixing these issues are very important to this research because readers cannot only read the problems but have an opportunity to read about solutions and get the opportunity to either do better or at least be educated about the issues. This pilot study will look inside the minds and opinions of college students who attended Historically Black Colleges and Universities and predominately white institutions to see the difference in them being educated on the many healthy risk that African Americans should pay much more attention to than they do, especially at a younger age. Also, individuals may not want to hurt others feelins about telling them about obesity, such as one of the researchers participants who explained that,

"Maybe, but I think it's just more so because of the lifestyle that people who are overweight live, I think that HBCU's just, well they cater into their lifestyle. And I'm not really sure if like, the people who are over like the caf and the food and stuff, I'm not really sure if they even care about health and stuff themselves, like I'm not sure it's even about the students or the health of anybody else."