Sometimes knowledge makes all the difference in managing your health. National Hispanic Heritage Month offers a good reminder for people of Hispanic origin to schedule an appointment for a wellness exam.
It’s also important to understand certain health risks that are more prevalent among people of Hispanic descent.
“Patients of Hispanic heritage should understand that they may be at greater risk for certain health conditions than the general population,” says Jose Hernandez, MD, a family medicine physician at ThedaCare Physicians-Appleton North.
Getting treated early and managing disease are vital steps to take toward long-term wellness.
Health Risks
“The Hispanic population has a lower death rate than white people overall,” Dr. Hernandez says. “But the death rate for particular diseases, including diabetes, can be much higher.”
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) reports that people of Hispanic descent are significantly more likely than non-Hispanic white people to develop type 2 diabetes (19.8% versus 12.4%). They’re also more likely to die from diabetes: 28% more likely for Hispanic people in general and 50% for people of Mexican descent.
In addition to having higher rates of type 2 diabetes, Hispanic adults and children are more likely than the general population to have obesity or overweight. Hispanic adults in 2024 were 12% more likely than U.S. adults overall to have obesity. In 2023, Hispanic high school boys were 35% more likely, and girls were 4% more likely, than their peers to have obesity, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health.
“There are also variances in certain disease risk depending on a patient’s specific heritage. The death rate from diabetes jumps in people of Mexican and Puerto Rican descent, for example,” Dr. Hernandez says.
Obesity can contribute to other health risks, including some liver diseases. People of Hispanic descent are at higher risk of developing liver diseases than other populations, Dr. Hernandez says. Cancer rates overall for Hispanic people are lower than for non-white Hispanic people. However, Hispanic people are more likely to die from certain cancers, including liver and stomach, according to the NIH.
Almost 25% of Hispanic people have high blood pressure (hypertension). This can also lead to other serious health conditions. These include heart failure, heart attacks, stroke and kidney disease.
The good news is that a primary care team can help detect, manage and treat health conditions before they become serious.
“It’s important for patients to talk with their providers about their heritage and background to see if they need any additional health screenings,” Dr. Hernandez says.
Disparities in Health Care
The Pew Research Center reported in 2023 that Hispanic Americans overall face certain disparities and challenges when it comes to accessing health care. Hispanic adults are less likely than other racial groups to have health insurance. Therefore, they’re less likely to seek preventive care, which is an important factor in preventing or managing chronic conditions like diabetes.
The COVID-19 pandemic also took a toll. Hispanic people were more likely to have been hospitalized or have died because of the virus than white populations. Social factors such as socioeconomic status, communication barriers and concerns about residency status also may impact how and when Hispanic people seek care.
Different Preferences and Beliefs
People of Hispanic heritage may have different and distinct sets of cultural beliefs. A person’s country of origin or generation in which they grew up can play a role as well.
“Some Hispanic patients may not readily share information about their health issues unless they feel comfortable with and trust the medical provider,” Dr. Hernandez says. “It’s important for providers to understand that building a relationship first is valuable.”
That can include spending a little time making conversation before discussing medical issues. In addition, people of Hispanic descent might be more likely to want to have family present and taking part in health care decision-making. It can also help to understand the role religion and spirituality might play in a Hispanic person’s healing process.
Some Hispanic individuals may feel more comfortable talking with a Spanish-speaking provider. The ThedaCare Provider Directory allows you to search for providers specifically by language spoken as well as other characteristics. Interpreter services are available in cases when seeing a Spanish-speaking provider isn’t available.
As we honor Hispanic Heritage Month, Dr. Hernandez stresses the importance of preventive care.
“It’s important to keep up with annual wellness exams to catch and manage chronic conditions early,” he says. “ThedaCare wants everyone to feel empowered to take control of their health and well-being. We’re here to support their journey.”
