News: Healthy Eating

Practice Healthy Eating Habits to Help Reduce Health Disparities

December 16, 2004

African Americans are at high risk for cancer and many other serious and sometimes fatal diseases; including high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes and stroke. African Americans have the highest diagnosis rate and death from cancer than any other minority group in the United States. A diet high in fruit and vegetables can help reduce the risk of cancer and some other illnesses. However, African Americans only eat, on average, about 3 servings per day.

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) has announced the expansion of a faith-based initiative called "Body & Soul: A Celebration of Healthy Eating & Living". This program promotes the national daily recommended servings of 5 to 9 servings of fruits and vegetables a day. NCI is now offering a new comprehensive guide and training materials to African American churches to help them incorporate the program into their activities.

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Source: "National Cancer Institute Expands National Faith-Based Health Initiative for African American Churches: "Body & Soul: A Celebration of Health Eating & Living" Stresses Healthy Eating to Help Reduce Health Disparities", September 21, 2004, Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute of Health