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| Photo: Getty Images/Neo Vision |
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May
Nearly 3 million Hispanic adults in the United States report doctor-diagnosed arthritis and millions more report chronic joint pain, according to the Arthritis Foundation. There are steps you can take to alleviate the pain.
It’s not all in your head. A healthy mind is just as important as physical health to overall well-being. But mental health check-ups are uncommon and disorders often go undiagnosed, especially in the Hispanic community. Latinos are at a disproportionately high risk for depression and other conditions associated with mental illness, and are much less likely to seek treatment or receive quality care, according to a report by the National Council of La Raza (NCLR) and the California State University, Long Beach Center for Latino Community Health, Evaluation, and Leadership Training. According to the same study, one in five Hispanics living in the United States will suffer from major depression in their lifetimes, and over 90 percent of them won’t contact a mental health specialist. Stigma and stereotypes associated with mental illness keep many people from seeking treatment that could improve their quality of life and help them manage the illness effectively. There are many options when it comes to improving mental health, from laughter therapy to exercise to medication. Feeling sad, withdrawn, or depressed is not a normal part of the aging process. If you or someone you know can’t seem to shake their feelings of sadness, fear, or anxiety, visit the links below for resources, referrals, and support.
Additional Resources:
Stand tall. Don’t wait for a fracture. Start taking care of your bones—all 206 of them—today! More than 10 million people in the United States have osteoporosis, and if you’re a woman, you need to take extra care. According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, 10 percent of Hispanic women aged 50 and older are estimated to have osteoporosis, and 49 percent are estimated to have low bone mass. Three percent of Hispanic men aged 50 and older are estimated to have osteoporosis, and 23 percent are estimated to have low bone mass. Osteoporosis causes the gradual loss of bone mass, and it usually happens over many years without symptoms. So most people don’t know they have it until they break a bone. Fortunately, osteoporosis is preventable, and since bones are made of living tissue, it’s never too late to start taking better care. There are a few easy habits you can start today that will keep your bones strong and healthy. Start eating foods high in calcium and vitamin D, do weight-bearing exercise, quit smoking, and talk to your doctor about bone health.
Updated: October 2006 These links are provided for informational purposes only. AARP does not endorse, and has no control over, or responsibility for, the linked sites or the content, advertisements, materials, products, or services available on or throughout these sites. |
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