June 2018: Health Education Ministry Emphasis - A Black Man’s Guide to Good Health
Brothers, be honest. Do you go to the doctor regularly? You take care of your family; you take care of work matters, but what about yourself?
“Men aren’t judged by whether they are healthy; they are judged by whether they contribute financially to their households, pay child support and are active participants in their families and communities,” says Derek M. Griffith, Ph.D., associate professor of medicine and health at Vanderbilt University’s Center for Research on Men’s Health. If they can do those things, they are unlikely to see a reason to go to a doctor, Griffith says. But, Black men need to see a physician, regardless of whether they are feeling under the weather, he adds. “It is critical to try and develop a relationship with a doctor’s office or clinic because many health issues that are important can only be detected by looking at changes in health over time.”
Maybe these stats will convince you to make your health a priority:
- African-American men are 30 percent more likely to die from heart disease than White males
- 36 percent of Black men are obese
- 3.7 million of all African-Americans 20 or older have diabetes
Ready to make that appointment now? Here are the important screenings you should have based on your age:
AGES 20-39
Weight and body mass index (BMI)
How often: Annually
Why it’s important: Approximately 2 of 3 adults are now overweight or obese, which can increase the risk for heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes and other ailments, according to the American Heart Association. Just because you’re in the gym regularly doesn’t mean you’re at a healthy weight or BMI (which is 18.5 to 24.9). “The misconception that many Black men have is that because they exercise and have muscles they don’t need to worry about their weight. That’s not true.
You still need to make sure you maintain a normal weight,” says Ola Akinboboye, M.D., medical director at Queens Heart Institute in Rosedale, N.Y. and an associate professor of clinical medicine at Cornell University.
Blood Pressure
How often: At each doctor’s visit, but if your readings are high—between 120 and 139 for the top (systolic) number or between 80 and 89 for the bottom (diastolic) number—or if you have diabetes, heart disease or kidney problems, your physician will most likely monitor your blood pressure more often.
Why it’s important: 40 percent of Blacks have high blood pressure, which also is known as the “silent killer” and can lead to heart disease and stroke. Having your pressure checked regularly is imperative. “High blood pressure is more prevalent in Black men than in Black women,” says Akinboboye.
Sexual/Reproductive Health
How often: You should be screened for syphilis, chlamydia, HIV as well as other STDs annually, depending on your lifestyle. Also, it’s recommended that you have your testicles examined for testicular cancer during your periodic medical exams.
Why it’s important: Doctors may also screen your testosterone levels. If you are trying to start a family and having trouble, a male infertility test may be recommended to examine your sperm and seminal fluid.
Cholesterol
How often: Every four to six years, unless you’re at risk for heart disease and stroke and your doctor thinks you should be tested more frequently.
Why it’s important: High cholesterol increases your chances of heart disease, stroke, and other life-threatening conditions.
Read more: June 2018: Health Education Ministry Emphasis - A Black Man’s Guide to Good Health