The 4 key health issues Korean Americans face
A new study is providing insight into the health needs of Korean Americans living in the Chicagoland area. Researchers identified the four key health issues most prevalent among the study participants, the majority of whom live in suburban Cook County.
The major health issues included:
The study was conducted by a partnership between the Hanul Family Alliance and Advocate Lutheran General Hospital. The findings are based upon health data collected from annual Korean American health fairs, follow-up telephone calls, a needs assessment survey sent to Korean American homes and focus groups. The sample included over 300 people; the majority women and the average age 54.
The findings in Chicago are similar to those in a study released in January of 2015 by the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) called “The Health and Healthcare Concerns of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.” The study also identified heart disease, hypertension and diabetes as major concerns for Asian Americans.
The results didn’t surprise Dr. David Jun, an internal medicine physician at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital who cares for many Korean Americans facing the same health challenges.
“I offer this advice to my patients,” says Dr. Jun.“I tell them to make sure they are monitoring their blood pressure regularly, cutting down on salt, routinely exercising, as well as controlling their weight. These are the steps that can really make a difference.”
Dr. Jun also stresses the importance of quitting smoking, reducing stress and sticking to the treatment plan suggested by your physician.
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About the Author
Evonne Woloshyn, health enews contributor, is director of public affairs at Advocate Children's Hospital. Evonne began her career as an anchor and reporter in broadcast news. Over the past 20 years, she has worked in health care marketing in both Ohio and Illinois. Evonne loves to travel, spend time with family and is an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan!
