Health

COVID-19: The Dangers of Underlying Health Conditions for African Americans

Published

5 years ago

April 9, 2020

As if having to monitor their blood sugar wasn’t enough of a concern, people with diabetes are more likely to develop complications from coronavirus. It is one of the underlying conditions medical experts say put people most at risk of severe COVID-19. These include diabetes, heart disease, and chronic lung disease.

“When I go out, I have to put on a mask and gloves,” said Gwendolyn Hayes, a 63-year-old grandmother from El Cajon in East San Diego County. Hayes says she’s doing her best to protect herself during this pandemic while also managing Type 2 diabetes.

“If you were to actually see me, you wouldn’t think that I have diabetes. I’m not obese. I feel healthy,” said Hayes.

There are 34.2 million people in the United States living with diabetes, which is more than 10% of the country’s total population, according to the American Diabetes Association (ADA). And African Americans are 60% more likely than whites to be diagnosed with diabetes, according to the Office of Minority Health at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

In California, the ADA estimates more than 4 million people have been diagnosed with the disease. That’s just over 10% of the adult population in the state.

“Diabetes does something quite significant to a body,” said Dr. Bill Releford who specializes in diabetes prevention and treatment at his private practice in Inglewood near Los Angeles. “It compromises your immune system and delays the response of white blood cells to actually attack viruses and even some of the secondary bacteria,” said Releford.

Releford says the toll diabetes puts on a body makes it ideal for the communicable disease. “Your immune system is not as responsive and the high-sugar environment is perfect for the further replication and advancement of viruses and bacteria. That’s why the diabetic patient is the perfect storm for something like the COVID-19 virus to wreak havoc — particularly in underserved populations,” said Releford.

People with diabetes are also more likely to be admitted into the ICU than people with any other underlying conditions.

“When it is at the sore throat level, your immune system normally would stop it there, but because a diabetic has a compromised immune system, that throat infection is allowed to progress to respiratory infection or even pneumonia or respiratory failure and then, unfortunately, death,” said Releford.

People with heart disease are the next most likely group to land in the ICU while fighting the virus. And African Americans are diagnosed with heart disease more than any other ethnic group.

Contrary to widespread rumors early on, African Americans are not immune to the novel coronavirus. In Chicago, Detroit, and Milwaukee, for example, African Americans make up the majority of confirmed COVID-19 cases. Still, “there’s less testing and there’s less treatment,” said Releford.

Releford worries prevention efforts will miss underserved communities. California’s largest cities have not released demographic information about the race of people testing positive for COVID-19. So far, Los Angeles and San Diego counties have reported nearly 6,500 confirmed cases combined.

“Studies have shown that when African Americans engage the health care delivery system with the same symptoms of fever, shortness of breath, fatigue, they are less likely to be tested and treated. So what we are seeing is the same disparities in our health care delivery system are now showing their ugly head with this pandemic,” said Releford.

The California Department of Public Health has partnered with South San Francisco-based Verily Life Sciences’ (VLS) Project Baseline. They offer free screenings in Riverside, San Jose, San Mateo and Sacramento counties with priority given to people deemed high risk primarily due to possible exposure as determined by an online questionnaire. VLS, usually referred to as just Verily, is the parent company of Google, Alphabet, Inc’s scientific research organization.

Ebone Monet, California Black Media

Posts by Ebone Monet, California Black Media

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Activism

LIVE! — TOWN HALL ON RACISM AND ITS IMPACT — THURS. 11.14.24 5PM PST

Join us for a LIVE Virtual Town Hall on the Impact of Racism hosted by Post News Group Journalist Carla Thomas and featuring Oakland, CA NAACP President Cynthia Adams & other Special Guests.
Thursday, November 14, 2024, 5 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. PST

Published

2 weeks ago

November 12, 2024

Oakland Post

Discussion Topics:
• Since the pandemic, what battles have the NAACP fought nationally, and how have they impacted us locally?
• What trends are you seeing concerning Racism? Is it more covert or overt?
• What are the top 5 issues resulting from racism in our communities?
• How do racial and other types of discrimination impact local communities?
• What are the most effective ways our community can combat racism and hate?

Your questions and comments will be shared LIVE with the moderators and viewers during the broadcast.

STREAMED LIVE!
FACEBOOK: facebook.com/PostNewsGroup
YOUTUBE: youtube.com/blackpressusatv
X: twitter.com/blackpressusa

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California Black Media

Gen. Election Update: Tracking Your Votes on Ballot Propositions — and What They Mean for Our Communities

In the Nov. 5 General Election, Californians cast their votes on ten propositions addressing issues from education and climate funding to prison labor and the minimum wage.

Published

3 weeks ago

November 6, 2024

Oakland Post

By Joe W. Bowers Jr., California Black Media

In the Nov. 5 General Election, Californians cast their votes on ten propositions addressing issues from education and climate funding to prison labor and the minimum wage.

Below is a breakdown of the propositions, their potential impact and an update on how we voted on them.

Likely to Pass:

Proposition 2: Bonds for Public School and College Facilities
With 56.7% support, Prop 2 is on track to pass. This measure would allocate $10 billion to repair and upgrade K-12 and community college facilities, especially in under-resourced schools. For students, this funding could lead to safer and more supportive learning environments.

Proposition 3: Constitutional Right to Marriage
Prop 3 currently has 61.4% support and is likely to pass. This measure aims to amend California’s constitution to affirm marriage rights for all. For LGBTQ+ individuals in our communities, this is a powerful affirmation of equality and inclusion.

Proposition 4: Bonds for Water, Wildfire, and Climate Risks
Currently passing with 57.8%, Prop 4 is on track to deliver $10 billion for projects that address water quality, wildfire prevention, and climate resilience. This could have a significant impact on communities that face the harshest effects of climate change.

Proposition 34: Restricts Spending of Prescription Revenues
Prop 34 is narrowly passing with 51.4% support, indicating that it may succeed. The measure would require specific healthcare providers to use 98% of revenue from federal drug discount programs on direct patient care. This could improve healthcare access for low-income residents.

Proposition 35: Provides Permanent Funding for Medi-Cal
With 66.8% of voters in favor, Prop 35 is on course to pass, securing permanent funding for Medi-Cal, California’s low-income healthcare program. For many in our communities who depend on Medi-Cal, this measure promises stability and continued access to essential healthcare services.

Proposition 36: Increased Sentencing for Certain Drug and Theft Crimes
With strong support at 70.5%, Prop 36 is poised to pass, increasing penalties for specific theft and drug offenses. This measure would partially roll back sentence reductions established by Prop 47, sparking concerns about potential increases in incarceration rates.

Likely to Fail:

Proposition 5: Bonds for Affordable Housing and Infrastructure
With 56.4% of voters opposed, Prop 5 is likely to fail. The measure aimed to reduce the voting threshold for local bonds from two-thirds to 55%, making it easier to fund affordable housing. Without it, local governments will continue to face higher approval requirements, potentially slowing progress on affordable housing solutions.

Proposition 6: Eliminates Forcing Inmates to Work
Currently failing with 54.9% opposed, Prop 6 is expected to be defeated. This measure would have ended involuntary labor for incarcerated individuals, a practice critics argue disproportionately affects Black inmates. It’s likely failure means the prison labor system will remain unchanged.

Proposition 32: Raises Minimum Wage
With 52.1% of voters opposing it, Prop 32 appears likely to fail. This measure would have raised the minimum wage to $18 an hour. While proponents argued it would provide greater financial stability for low-wage workers.

Proposition 33: Local Government Residential Rent Control
With 61.9% voting “no,” Prop 33 is expected to fail, meaning that local governments won’t gain expanded authority to enact rent control. Real estate groups argued that this measure could hinder housing development. Its failure means that current rent control laws will remain in place, leaving fewer protections for renters.

Oakland Post

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California Black Media

Covered California Open Enrollment Began Nov. 1

Open enrollment for Covered California kicked off on Nov. 1, 2024, offering individuals, families, and businesses a chance to secure quality, affordable health insurance for the upcoming year. This annual enrollment period allows California residents to choose from a variety of health plans that meet their specific needs. Covered California offers comprehensive coverage, including preventive care and financial assistance to help eligible applicants lower their monthly premiums.

Published

3 weeks ago

November 6, 2024

Oakland Post

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By Bo Tefu, California Black Media

Covered California offers comprehensive coverage, including preventive care and financial assistance to help eligible applicants lower their monthly premiums. The program features insurance plans from leading providers, ensuring access to essential health services such as doctor visits, hospital care, and mental health services.

This year, notable updates include expanded financial assistance, which increases the support available for eligible households to help offset monthly costs. Additionally, consumers will find greater plan flexibility, allowing them to select options that fit their lifestyles and budgets. Access to no-cost preventive services — like vaccinations, screenings, and annual check-ups — remains a priority.

Key enrollment deadlines are set as follows:

The open enrollment period runs from Nov. 1, 2024, to Jan. 31, 2025.
Those who enroll by Dec. 15, 2024, will have their coverage start on Jan. 1, 2025.

To facilitate enrollment, applicants can fill out an inquiry form on the Covered California website, reach out to Certified Enrollment Counselors, or contact Covered California directly at (888) 234-5366 or via email at GetCovered@cbhn.info.

The California Black Health Network (CBHN) collaborates with Covered California to advocate for health equity, focusing on underserved communities, including unemployed and gig workers. CBHN’s certified enrollers engage in outreach and onsite signups to help individuals access affordable healthcare options.