By
Felix Hoover
For
Your News Columbus
Even
as hot as it was, participants in this year’s African American
Wellness Walk were encouraged to warm up before setting out on their
five-mile route.
Because it’s often difficult to get men to get regular medical
check-ups, organizers of the annual event steered them to screening
stations for diabetes, high blood pressure and other common tests
shortly before the walk began.
After
pep talks from city, state, county and federal officials, the
walkers stepped off from the grounds outside the Neighborhood House,
1000 Atcheson St., to show a unified commitment to the well-being of
the community, especially its men and boys.
Walkers were encouraged to use the water stations that were set up
every half-mile along the route. Keeping hydrated is important,
regardless of the weather.
Participants who weren’t exhausted after the walk added a few more
strides after they returned to the starting area, where a number of
vendors awaited. Many of the booths dealt with health-related issues
and industries, others promoted a variety of community businesses
and services. Several news outlets were in the latter category,
including Your News Columbus.
Although the focus was on males, females played prominent roles as
organizers, walkers and vendors as they have since the first walk in
2004.
“It’s
a good, positive thing today,” said Dee Cross-Battle, secretary of
the usher board at Mount Hermon Baptist Church.
She
puts a premium on the love, laughter and community that go with the
walk, but she also hopes the medical screenings pay off.
“I
hope that it helps, especially the men, if they have health issues
to catch them in time,” Cross-Battle said.
Her
concern speaks to the data passed out about African-American males:
African American Men live 7.5 years less than other ethnic groups
40% of
African American Men die prematurely from cardiovascular disease as
compared to 22% of Caucasian Men
African American Men are 5 times more likely to die of HIV/AIDS
African American Men are 4 times as likely to suffer from kidney
failure
African American Males have higher incidence of prostate cancer
African American Men have higher incidence of diabetes
The
good news is that events such as the walk prompts men to see a
physician and creates awareness about healthier choices that
families can make.
