According to numerous reports, African-American men as a group are not healthy and are far less healthy than any other racial group in America.
There are a number of societal reason why as a group black men are not enjoying optimum health. Those reasons include racial discrimination, lack of accessible and affordable health care, poverty, poor lifestyle choices, lack of adequate health insurance,insufficient medical and social services geared to African-American men, unemployment and under employment, to name a few.
There are also a number of cultural reasons undermining our health including poor diet, lack of exercise, lack of knowledge, which fall under the big umbrella of poor lifestyle choices.
What was that word, oh yeah--Choices...Choices are related to outcomes that are totally in your control. If nothing else, BMH will hammer on the idea of choice--you making good decisions that will be beneficial to your health.
Now for a few facts:Black Male Health Statistics:
As a group we, African-American men live 7.1 years less than other racial groups.
We have higher death rates than black women for all leading causes of death
We experience disproportionately higher death rates in all the leading causes of death
40% of black men die prematurely from cardiovascular disease as compared to 21% of white men
Black men are 5 times more likely to die of HIV/AIDS
44% of black men are considered overweight
24% are obese
Black men suffer more preventable diseases that are treatable
have a higher incidence of diabetes and prostate cancer
A high suicide rate. It is the 3rd leading cause of death in 15 to 24 year old
According to an article published in the May 2003 issue of the American Journal of Public Health, African American men are significantly less likely than white men to see a physician; 45 percent of African American men do not have a doctor they see regularly.
Men of color are also more likely to be uninsured -- 28 percent of African Americans are uninsured, compared to 17 percent of whites.
Studies that examine how different groups of men use Medicare show that even when health insurance and income differences are accounted for Black men receive fewer preventive services than white men like flu shots and colonoscopy screening.
The 10 Leading Causes of death in the U.S.(2001) Black Americans
Source: Health, U.S., 2003
Recommended Health Screenings for Men
Blood Cholesterol Screenings
Have your cholesterol checked at least every 5 years, starting at age 35. If you smoke, have diabetes, or if heart disease runs in your family, start having your cholesterol checked at age 20.
Blood Pressure
Have your blood pressure checked at least every 2 years.
Colorectal Cancer Tests
Begin regular screening for colorectal cancer starting at age 50. Your doctor can help you decide which test is right for you. How often you need to be tested will depend on which test you have.
Diabetes Tests
Have a test to screen for diabetes if you have high blood pressure or high cholesterol.
Depression
If you've felt "down," sad, or hopeless, and have felt little interest or pleasure in doing things for two weeks straight, talk to your doctor about whether he or she can screen you for depression.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Talk to your doctor to see whether you should be screened for sexually transmitted diseases, such as HIV.
Prostate Cancer Screening
Talk to your doctor about the possible benefits and harms of prostate cancer screening if you are considering having a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test or digital rectal examination (DRE).
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