April is Minority Health Month

National Minority Health Month, launched by the National Minority Health Month Foundation, and founded by Booker T. Washington, strives to lessen the health disparities experienced by minorities in the United States. Health disparities are the imbalance in the quality of health and health care experienced by groups based on their environmental condition, and their social, racial, ethnic, and economic status.

Now, more than ever, minorities make up a huge part of the U.S. population. Taking their need to access proper health care seriously ensures that they can contribute not just to economic growth, but enrich the country with their cultural contributions as well.

Read the full National Today article to learn more about how to observe National Minority Health Month with your family, friends, and community. The Hoosier Health and Wellness Alliance has adapted the Oxfam Hunger Banquet to include an Indiana based version that you can use to help others understand what some minority groups who live in low-income situations experience. There is an entire toolkit that you can use for community events.

Looking for a few quick tips?

Walk to boost your health: Ditch the car and walk when possible, or park further away from the door to get more steps in. Take the stairs instead of an elevator when you are able.

Drink more water, go to bed early, and add more fruit and vegetables to your diet. Remember, a rainbow on your plate provides more nutrients that our bodies need to thrive!

Group activities are more fun! Get the neighbors together for a jog or outdoor Zumba class. Participating with a group can add to your motivation.