A report published this spring on the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website provides some enlightening information on the types of diseases most likely to impact Hispanic people. At our Gwinnett family clinic, we believe that this focus is vital, since Hispanic patients are an important part of our practice. Further they are nearly 18 percent of the U.S. population and projected to be almost 23 percent in another two decades. The study also looked at risk factors for diseases as well as the use of health care services by Hispanics.

Good News and Bad News

When compared to non-Hispanic whites, Hispanics were found to have nearly a quarter less chance of dying from most of the leading causes of death. However, other findings were not so positive. Compared to whites, Hispanics:

  • had about 50 percent higher death rates for diabetes and liver diseases like cirrhosis
  • were a whopping 133 percent more likely to have diabetes
  • were more likely to be obese
  • suffered higher rates of hypertension and renal disease
  • had a significantly greater risk of dying from homicide.

Where people were born seemed to impact their health statistics. U.S.-born Hispanics had significantly higher rates of cancer and heart disease than Hispanics born in other countries, as well as a shorter life expectancy. This ties in with the fact that they were more likely than their foreign-born counterparts to smoke and suffer from obesity.

The Impact of Lifestyle and Health Care

Two of the leading factors that can help improve the health and life span of anyone, regardless of national origin or ethnicity, are lifestyle choices and preventative health care. Unhealthy eating, smoking and drinking are all things that people can control if they have the will and the tools to help them do so. Our Gwinnett physicians offer help for people who want to stop smoking. We also have a medical weight loss center to provide the tools and support that many people need in order to get to a healthy weight.

Regular health care, including preventive services and screenings, can help spot problems before they progress and possibly become fatal. One concerning statistic found in the study was that 41.5 percent of Hispanic people had no health insurance.

The Importance of Health Services in your own Language

The report also points out the importance of having health care providers who speak Spanish and of making health information available in Spanish. This includes “promotores de salud” who can provide outreach in the community, guiding people to health care services and encouraging better eating, more exercise and other healthy behaviors.

At Rodriguez MD, we know that when dealing with your health or that of a loved one, it’s essential to be able to communicate in the language in which you feel most comfortable. Our Lawrenceville doctors and staff are bilingual. Our patient forms as well as our website are available in Spanish as and English. Call or contact us online to schedule an appointment.