Seminar to discuss diabetes crisis among African-Americans

February 18, 2010

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The University of Florida College of Health and Human Performance is hosting a well-known researcher to discuss the diabetes crisis among African-Americans as part of the ongoing Department of Health Education and Behavior Seminar Series.

Leonard Jack Jr., chairman of minority health and disparities at Xavier University of Louisiana, will present his findings at 11 a.m. Monday in Florida Gymnasium Room 235.

“Jack’s work is timely and important for two of the most important issues in health care today: diabetes and health disparities,” said Barbara Rienzo, UF associate dean for faculty affairs and the HEB department chairwoman.

Jack, editor-in-chief of Health Promotion Practice, researches diabetic program evaluation and the socio-cultural aspects of disease management. He also studies the psychosocial portion of managing diabetes and men’s overall health.

According to his new publication, “Diabetes in Black America,” diabetes is a concern that all Americans face. However, for African-Americans, diabetes is a crisis.

During the past 30 years, diabetes has more than doubled among African-Americans, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Jack will discuss the prevalence of diabetes among African-Americans and disease management at large.

Jack’s lecture is among several HEB seminars that will be given throughout the semester.

“The seminar series has provided the opportunity for faculty and students of the Department of Health Education and Behavior to engage with nationally renowned health education professionals,” Rienzo said.

For more information and the semester’s schedule of speakers, visit http://hhp.ufl.edu/heb/gov/seminars/HEB%2009-10%20Seminar%20Series.pdf.