2022 Black History Month highlights Black health and wellness

DETROIT - During Black History Month in February, the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan (NKFM) is raising awareness about staying well to avoid chronic disease such as diabetes, kidney disease and heart disease. Black people are generally at higher risk for these diseases and more, according to the Office of Minority Health, part of the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services.

Anyone who has ever made and maintained the lifestyle changes necessary to prevent these life-altering diseases will tell you it's not easy. But, the NKFM's programs can help.

Liz Walker, a Black woman in her 70s from Dearborn Heights, became interested in a healthy lifestyle because both her parents were overweight and diabetic. Her father had both his legs amputated due to complications from diabetes. "I got to see what happens when you don't do anything," states Liz.

As a participant in the NKFM's Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP), a national CDC-certified lifestyle change program, Walker lost weight and learned about healthier food choices. "DPP motivates me even now, after several years," she says. She has lost additional weight and remains active with walking, boot camp classes and weight training. For more information on the DPP, visit ReadySetPrevent.org.

Ask your doctor if you are at risk for any chronic diseases so you can start making healthier choices. If you don't have health insurance, consider applying for health care coverage, including Medicaid, through your local county health department. You can also apply online at mibridges.michigan.gov or call 1-855-789-5610.

For more information on other NKFM programs to improve your health, visit here or call 800-482-1455.

This message is supported by the NKFM's REACH grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). REACH is a CDC-administered national program to remove barriers to health improvement caused by race or ethnicity, education, income, location, or other social factors.

Through this project, the NKFM encourages everyone to "REACH Your Best Health". For more information, visit http://www.REACHhealthMI.org.

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About the NKFM

The mission of the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan is to prevent kidney disease and improve the quality of life for those living with it. With more than a million people in Michigan affected by kidney disease, the NKFM works to provide life-changing programs and services across the state. For the past 13 years, Charity Navigator - the nation's leading nonprofit evaluator - has recognized the NKFM with its highest rating of 4 stars for success in sound fiscal management. nkfm.org