Coalition tackles black health issues in Oklahoma

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- A member of a black health organization says black Oklahomans are at an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer and diabetes.<br/><br/>Jesse Harris with the Oklahoma African

Monday, December 12th 2005, 5:00 pm

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- A member of a black health organization says black Oklahomans are at an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer and diabetes.

Jesse Harris with the Oklahoma African American Health Coalition says many black Oklahomans live a sedentary lifestyle and eat food with little nutritional value.

And the American Cancer Association found blacks have the highest incidence and mortality rates for cancer.

The number of blacks with cancer is about ten percent higher than whites and 50 to 60 percent higher than Hispanics and Asians.

The health coalition will meet Thursday at Langston University's Oklahoma City campus to discuss the health disparities and coordinate awareness programs.