Five health concerns every Black man should know

2009-10-01T09:46:00.000-07:00

Black men should make health a higher priority
By Marshall A. Latimore
SOTG Lifestyles Editor

High mortality rates among black men from preventable diseases like cancer, diabetes and suicide have warranted a crisis. Often times, poor habits and failure to seek medical attention are often the culprit. To put it frankly, black men live sicker and die younger than black women.

The life expectancy for a black male child born in 2004 is 69.5 years, compared with 75.7 years for white males born the same year, according to the National Center for Health Statistics. Simple lifestyles changes and practices can make all the difference in adding 10 years to a man's life.

The Men's Health Network, based in Washington D.C. have suggested that men take control of their health by getting yearly check-ups from their doctors, regular visits to a physician and taking advantage of health fairs and free screening events in the area.

Following is a list of five health crises that every black man should ask their primary care provider about:

Prostate Cancer. More than 30,000 men die of prostate cancer each year. Black men top the list of cases, often diagnosed far too late in the process. Black men should get screened every year beginning at age 40. This consists of a blood test and a quick physical exam.

Cardiovascular Disease. Heart disease and stroke are often associated with high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Both can usually be controlled with diet and exercise or medication.

Diabetes, You may have diabetes and not know it. It's not unusual for diabetes to go undetected for years. Men with diabetes are more likely to suffer from heart disease, stroke, kidney disease and vision problems.

Depression. Men are less like than women to seek help for depression and are four times as like to commit suicide. If you feel "down and out," "hopeless," or "sad" for an extended period of time, you may be suffering from depression. Help can take the form of medication, counseling or a combination of both.

Lung Cancer. Lung cancer is the number one killer of lack men but can be almost totally prevented if make lifestyle changes and take certain precautions. Risk factors include smoking, exposure to asbestos and radon.

2009-09-27T20:43:00.001-07:00

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Five health concerns every Black man should know