HHS HealthBeat (March 22, 2012)

Working toward better health

From the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, I’m Ira Dreyfuss with HHS HealthBeat.

African-Americans have a higher risk of kidney disease and type 2 diabetes, which contributes to a higher risk of heart disease. Dr. Griffin Rodgers, who is director of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, says that people with a family history should be more concerned.  He says it’s a good idea to review who in the family had what condition.

Being overweight or obese also raises risk. But Dr. Rodgers says people can act to lower their risk by being physically active and watching what they eat:

“Many serious diseases such as diabetes and kidney disease, as well as being overweight or obese, run in families and knowing your families health history is important to help you understand your chances of developing health problems.” (13 seconds)

Learn more at hhs.gov.

HHS HealthBeat is a production of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. I’m Ira Dreyfuss.

Last revised: March 22, 2012