Life's Simple 7: Saving Black Men's Lives

The burden of cardiometabolic diseases including type 2 diabetes (DM), obesity and hypertension as well as cancer is greatest among Africans Americans (AA). In Ohio, AAs have the highest rates of DM, cardiovascular disease (CVD), cancer and mortality from these diseases. Thus, strategies to prevent DM, CVD, cancer and mortality among AAs are critically needed. The National African American Male Wellness Walk Initiative (AAMWWI) was established in Columbus, Ohio in 2004, with the aim of reducing disparities in chronic diseases and premature death among AA males. During the last 14 years, it has become the largest health initiative in central Ohio for AAs. This year, it is estimated that the AAMWWI had 20,000 participants and nearly 2,000 free health screenings. The Ohio State University has been a valued partner in this effort; and leadership from the AAMWW connected with Ohio State faculty to collaborate in the shared mission of improving disparities in diabetes, CVD, cancer and mortality. Attaining health targets for the American Heart Association's (AHA) "Life's Simple 7" including targets for blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose, smoking, body mass index, physical activity and dietary intake is associated with lower risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer and mortality among AAs. The aim of the partnership between AAMWWI and Ohio State is to design a novel intervention for AA males in central Ohio to improve attainment of Life's Simple 7. The audience will hear from Mr. John Gregory, founder of the AAMWWI, Dr. Joshua Joseph, assistant professor of Medicine in the Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, and Dr. Darrell Gray, II, assistant professor of Medicine in the Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition and deputy director of the Center for Cancer Health Equity. These speakers will 1) review the history of AAMWWI, 2) review recent longitudinal Life's Simple 7 using data from the AAMWWI, and 3) engage the audience in discussion about ideas for sustainable intervention for AA males that increases attainment of Life's Simple 7. The target audience includes community members and organization leadership, students, faculty, health advocates, medical professionals, and researchers who are engaged in the work of examining health disparities and achieving health equity.