I’m pretty sure most women with male partners or husbands will tell you that more than likely they have to actually schedule their partner’s doctor’s appointment or threaten bodily harm if it is not done. Some of these women also attend the visit and know more about their partner’s family history than the patient. In honor of men’s health month, let’s focus on information that may help prevent disease or prolong the life of those special men in our lives.
I recently had to send an email to a practice manager and ask her to schedule my husband for a physical because he had not seen a doctor for almost two years. I asked him to find a provider but he kept giving excuses as to why he did not have an appointment. So, I did what women do and – got it done!
Setting all jokes aside, it is extremely important that men be seen by their primary care provider at least once per year. Annual wellness visits are opportunities for the healthcare professional to evaluate, assess, and guide patients to appropriate screening tests that are considered evidence-based practices. In the United States, health disparities among different ethnic and racial groups pose different challenges, with black men experiencing higher rates of certain health conditions compared to other demographics.
Heart disease is one of the most pressing health issues plaguing black men. According to the American Heart Association, Black men are more likely to develop heart disease at a younger age and have a higher risk of dying from heart-related complications compared to white men. Black men have higher rates of diabetes, hypertension, and obesity, which are all contributing factors to heart disease disparities. To combat heart disease, Black men must exercise on a regular basis, eat a healthy diet, and monitor their cholesterol and blood pressure.
It is no secret that high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, disproportionately affects the Black community. Studies have shown that Black men have a higher prevalence of hypertension compared to other racial and ethnic groups. People are often unaware that their blood pressure is high because symptoms may or may not be present. If blood pressure is uncontrolled, complications such as heart failure, blindness, kidney failure, and heart attacks can occur. Black men are encouraged to monitor their blood pressure regularly, eat a low sodium diet ( no more than 2300 mg per day), and exercise at least 150 minutes per week including 2 days of strength training which will lower the risk of complications.
Black men are more likely to develop diabetes as compared to white men per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Lack of exercise, poor eating habits, and genetic factors contribute to the increased risk of diabetes among Black men. Keeping blood sugars under control requires medication management, lifestyle modifications, and routine monitoring of blood sugar levels. It is imperative that black men have access to healthcare services and receive proper education in order to prevent and manage diabetes effectively.
Prostate cancer is another significant health issue that affects Black men. Black men have the highest incidence rate of prostate cancer in the United States and are more likely to be diagnosed at an advanced stage which leads to poorer outcomes. Screening with PSA tests and digital rectal exams can help detect the disease early when treatment is most effective.
The life expectancy for Black men in the US is approximately 5 years less than white men. Disparities in health conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and obesity are definitely part of the problems, however social determinants of health like income, lack of employment, and gun violence are also factors to consider. Addressing these issues in a multifaceted approach will help improve the health of Black men.
Denise Hooks-Anderson, MD, FAAFP can be reached at yourhealthmatters@stlamerican.com
