Woman suffering from a migraine. © mocker_bat – Fotolia.com
African-Americans are less likely to become infested with head lice compared to other races. The type of lice found in the U.S. have difficulty holding on to curlier hair. Infestations most commonly occur in pre-school and elementary school children and those in contact with them. Credit: © Warren Rosenberg – Fotolia.com
Osteoporosis tends to happen with age, where bones become fragile and break easily. African-American women can develop osteoporosis, but it’s at much lower rates. In general, black women have higher bone density than white women throughout life. Credit: © Monkey Business – Fotolia.com
Tay-Sachs disease is an inherited, deadly disease that affects the nervous system. It causes deafness, blindness and paralysis around three to six months of age, and most children die by the age of four. People from any race can carry the gene, but it’s most common among the Ashkenazi Jewish population — one in 27 carry the Tay-Sachs gene. Credit: © adimas – Fotolia.com
African-Americans develop melanoma — a type of skin cancer — less than whites, but are not exempt. When diagnosed, the melanoma in African-Americans can be more aggressive and in harder to find places. So, sunscreen and mole checks are still a must. Credit: © Felix Mizioznikov – Fotolia.com
Cystic Fibrosis is a hereditary disease that causes thick mucus to build up in the lungs, making it difficult to breathe. It also builds up in the stomach and intestines. It’s more common among those of Northern or Central European decent. One in 29 Caucasian Americans carry the gene. Credit: © pixelcaos – Fotolia.com
Statistically speaking, African-Americans suffer from migraines less often than whites. However, some experts say the numbers are lower because many go without proper treatment. Symptoms of a migraine include throbbing intense pain on one side of the head or eye with nausea, vomiting, or sensitivity to light. Credit: © mocker_bat – Fotolia.com
White Americans are twice as likely to develop multiple sclerosis compared to African-Americans. Yet, African-Americans are diagnosed later and have more disability from the disease. With multiple sclerosis, the body’s immune system attacks the brain, eyes and spinal cord causing various symptoms, such as numbness, muscle spasms and problems walking. Some people are wheelchair-bound. Credit: © AVAVA – Fotolia.com
Rosacea affects fair-skinned people, usually of European descent. It causes chronic redness and flushing on the face. It affects 45 million people worldwide. Left untreated, it can worsen. Credit: The Feria Journal of Medicine
Studies show that black Americans are at lower risk for anorexia than white women. In one study, Caribbean black women were at an even lower risk. It’s thought to be due to a lesser focus on being thin within the cultures. However, eating disorder experts say they’re seeing an increase among African-American girls. Credit: © PinkShot – Fotolia.com
Credit: © oscar williams – Fotolia.com
You’ve heard the statistics. Of the seven major causes of death in the U.S., African-Americans top the list for at least five. Hypertension, diabetes, HIV and asthma are just a few of the conditions plaguing black Americans more than other groups.
We know which ones we suffer from the most… so, let’s take a look at ten conditions that we can get, but are least likely to have:
