Black Men Take Care of Your Selves
December 20, 2006
My wife spoke with a friend today and learned that one of her acquaintances recently died of stomach cancer at the age of 26, leaving behind a wife and new born child. He went to the doctor for some stomach pains and was later told that he had 3 weeks to live. 4 months prior my wife attended the funeral of a co-worker’s husband who also died of stomach cancer at the age of 28. Like my wife’s friend, he waited until it was too late to see a doctor. He left behind a wife and two children. These tragic events brought to light two very important issues; first, black men suffer more from preventable diseases than any other racial group, and second, black families are not financially prepared for the sudden death of a significant other.
It’s recommended that we visit the doctor every 6 months, but to be honest, if it wasn’t for my wife doing everything short of putting gun to my head, I would never go. I remember my mother going through the same thing with my father. I’m not exactly sure why we hate the doctor so much, but I hope the statistics below remind us why we shouldn’t.
Black Male Health Statistics
Black men live 7.1 years less than other racial groups
Black men have higher death rates than women for all leading causes of death
Black men experience a 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 have a higher incidence and a higher rate of death from oral cancer
Black men are 5 times more likely to die of HIV/AIDS
Other Health Statistics
44% of Black men are considered overweight
24% of Black men are Obese
Black men have a higher incidence of diabetes and prostate cancer
I would also like all black men to join me in my vow to visit the doctor at least once a year for physical. We owe it to our wives, friends, and family; we especially owe it to our selves.
We also owe to our families to take care of them financially while were living and when we die. Life insurance is one of those things that we hate to talk about, but it’s something we must do. If your family is dependent on your income, it is imperative that you have life insurance. Your policy must be enough for your family to continue to live their current lifestyle in the event of your death. Take into account both your spouse’s and your children’s annual expenses, as well as funeral costs.
For more information read this article.
Black men we must stand up and take care of our responsibilities, if we don’t than who will?
Posted in Health
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