News Release                                                              News Release

Take a Loved One to the Doctor
Tuesday, October 13, 2009

On this special day each year we focus on prevention
by emphasizing the simple things we can do to reduce the risk of many of the most threatening health problems including heart disease, stroke, diabetes and cancer.  This one preventive measure can help add years to your life.  Preventable diseases take a terrible toll on minority communities.  “Doctor Day”  is about bringing people to health care early, when diseases can be prevented or treated successfully. 
It is also about creating awareness, providing information and motivating our people to make healthier lifestyle choices.
 

There is compelling evidence that race and ethnicity correlate with persistent, and often increasing health disparities among U.S. populations; this imbalance demands national attention.

Despite notable progress in the overall health of the nation, there are continuing disparities
in the burden of illness and death experienced by African Americans.

Visit to Health Care Professional
Take a list of your concerns
A description of symptoms
a notepad
A trusted friend or relative

Even if you feel fine, it is still important to see your health care provider regularly
to check for potential problems. Certain symptoms such as high blood sugar and high cholesterol levels often do not produce any symptoms until advanced disease has occurred.

 "Take a Loved One to the Doctor Day”
is a life project of the
     National Black Catholic Apostolate for Life
 www.blackcatholicsforlife.org
National Headquarters - c/o St. Clare Friary
440 West 36th St., New York, NY 10018-6326

(click here printable for a printable flyer)
                                           

The National Black Catholic Apostolate for Life was inaugurated in the fall of 1997, with the National Black Catholic Clergy Caucus and the Franciscan Solid Ground Ministry as sponsors and with the support of John Cardinal O'Connor, Archbishop of New York and the Archdiocese's Office of Black Ministry.