With all that is going on in our world today it is more important now than ever to keep up with our health checks and maintain optimal health. This is particularly true for Men of Color.
According to your age be sure to check the following:
AGES 20-39
Weight and body mass index (BMI)
How often: Annually
Why it’s important: Approximately two of three 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
Blood Pressure
How often: At each doctor’s visit. 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.
Sexual/Reproductive Health
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.
Cholesterol
Why it’s important: High cholesterol increases your chances of heart disease, stroke, and other life-threatening conditions.
AGES 40-49
Colorectal Cancer - Guidelines recommend especially Black men start getting screened at 45 or as early as 40, either by rectal exams, fecal occult blood testing, sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy, especially if there is a family history of colon cancer, and then every three to five years. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), colorectal cancer is the third-most common cancer among African-Americans. Death rates are 52 percent higher in Black men than White men.
Blood Glucose - The American Diabetes Association says African-Americans are 1.7 times more likely to have diabetes than Whites. If you have high blood glucose levels, you’re at a greater risk of developing insulin resistance, prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. If left untreated, diabetes can lead to heart disease and stroke.
Prostate Cancer - The ACS recommends men get screened at 50, but because Black men are at a higher risk, they should get tested at 45 (especially if there’s a family history).
AFTER 50
Echocardiogram (ECG/EKG) - get one annually especially If you’re over 70 and have symptoms of heart disease.
Bone Density - The painless test helps estimate the density of your bones and your chances of breakage. It also can diagnose osteoporosis before a fractured bone occurs.
Lung Cancer - Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in African-Americans, and Black men have a higher rate than White men. The ACS reports that when detected at a localized stage, the five-year relative survival rate among Blacks for lung cancer is 47 percent.
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