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American Indian/Alaska Native Heritage Month Highlights Health Disparities

From Jerry Kennard, About.com GuideNovember 4, 2006

November 2006 is American Indian/Alaska Native Heritage Month. According to the Census Bureau statistics in 2004 there are an estimated 4.4 million American Indians and Alaska Native people. November is the month when the accomplishments and contributions of the first Americans are honored for their many contributions to American society. But according to the Center for Disease Control website it also highlights a number of health disparities.

American Indian/Alaska Native people (AI/ANs) had the 2nd highest diabetes death rate in 2003, the highest death rate from Chronic Liver Disease and Cirrhosis, were 1.5 times more likely to die from unintentional injuries. American Indian and Alaskan Natives teens and young men have the highest suicide rate in the 15 to 24 age group and adult men the second highest rate of suicide after whites (CDC 2004). The top five causes of death are heart disease, cancer, unintentional injuries, diabetes and stroke.

Related Health Information

  • Minority Health resources

  • Help Your Heart

  • What is Cancer?

  • Diabetes

  • Cirrhosis of the Liver

  • Information About Chlamidia

  • Men and Suicide

  • Teen Suicide
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