Did you know that this week is Men’s Health Week?  National Men’s Health Week is an initiative designed to heighten the awareness of preventable health problems and to encourage early detection and treatment of disease among men and boys. The observance is June 9 – 15, leading up to and including Father’s Day.  It is an especially fitting message for our black men as many of them do not focus on their wellbeing and it is often up to family members to take charge and, if necessary, help the men in our lives get the necessary treatment for what ails them.

If the men in your life cannot remember the last time they went to the doctor, had a physical exam, their blood pressure taken or blood sugar tested, then YOU need to give them the gift of health this year by gently nudging (OR NOT) them to make that doctor’s appointment today as the life they save could very well be their own.  It is no surprise that Black men are at a higher risk for chronic illnesses as compared to other races.  Health disparities continue to exist when it comes to the health of black men.  Black men suffer from high blood pressure, heart disease and prostrate cancer at higher rates than their counterparts.  In general, men are less likely than women to visit the doctor, participate in screening programs, or adopt healthy behaviors, such as good eating habits.  While efforts are being made to provide better access to quality healthcare, black men must also do their part to stay healthy.  Eat healthy, exercise and have routine tests and exams done to prevent problems and if there is a problem early detection can help determine necessary treatment immediately.

“Men need to become more aware of their health and health care needs,” said Pennsylvania Secretary of Health Dr. Calvin B. Johnson. “The fact remains that men, on average, die six years earlier than women and yet, so many of the health risks they encounter are preventable and treatable if diagnosed early through testing and screening.”

Screening tests can find diseases early, which is important because it makes treatment easier and there’s a greater chance of a full recovery. Some common screenings include blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, colorectal cancer and prostate cancer.

Dr. Johnson encourages men to talk to their doctor about which tests are most appropriate and how often they should be performed.

Ladies, if the men in your life are in denial regarding their health, remind them that they are only hastening their demise and that’s more money for you to spend since you will live longer.  LOL.  But, on a more serious note, men’s health is a family issue as it affects all of us.  So don’t wait until the next Take Your Love One to the Doctor Day to take action, do something today.  If necessary, make the doctor’s appointment and take your mate, significant other, father, son, brother, uncle, or nephew to the doctor for their own well being.  They might be upset for a moment, but they will get over it and thank you later for doing what they were afraid to. To help you find out what exams are necessary at various age breaks, I found a wonderful guide, which can be used by both men and women, called Get It Checked.   It has a schedule of checkups and age-appropriate screenings for men and women which is very useful information for all of us who want to maintain and even improve our health.  CLICK HERE to download and print a copy for your use.

For more information on men’s health, visit the following sites: 

http://www.menshealthnetwork.org/

http://www.menshealthmonth.org/

http://www.nbmhn.net/index.htm

http://www.blackvoices.com/black_lifestyle/health_headlines_features_advice/menshealth

http://www.communityvoices.org/Article.aspx?ID=354

Stop by each day as we will profile a different topic and individuals who are making a difference in the health profession for all of us…but with a special emphasis on black men.

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