Black men in America are dying too soon—and not because they have to. A legacy of systemic inequities, medical mistrust, and cultural expectations around masculinity has created a silent crisis. But as Nurse Practitioner Dr. Camille Brockett Walker, DNP, FNP-BC, AGACNP-BC puts it plainly: “Silence can be deadly.”
BlackDoctor.org sat down with Dr. Brockett Walker, a seasoned clinician, educator, and fierce health equity advocate, who’s spent nearly two decades treating patients on the frontlines and mentoring the next generation of nurses. Her mission? To change the narrative around men’s health, especially for Black men, and encourage small, powerful steps that lead to longer, healthier lives.
Small Steps, Big Impact
“Health is not a one-time event—it’s a journey. Start small, keep going, and speak up. Your life could depend on it,” Dr. Brockett Walker shares.
This Men’s Health Month, let’s commit to opening conversations, supporting one another, and taking actionable steps—no matter how small—toward healthier futures for all men.
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Here are eight urgent yet practical ways Black men can take charge of their health—straight from a provider who’s seen it all.
1. Stop Suffering in Silence—It Could Cost You Your Life
Too many men were taught to “man up” and ignore pain. Dr. Brockett Walker calls this out for what it is: deadly.
“Silence can be deadly. Talking about your health is strength, not weakness,” she shares.
2. Get the Screenings That Could Save Your Life
Don’t wait for something to feel wrong. Here are the top screenings Dr. Brockett Walker says you can’t afford to skip:
- Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
- Blood Sugar (A1C/Diabetes)
- Cholesterol Panel
- Prostate Cancer
- Colorectal Cancer
Especially for Black men, prostate and colon cancers strike earlier and more aggressively. Start screening in your early 40s—or sooner if you have a family history.
RELATED: A Guide for Black Men: Health Screenings to Start in Your 40s
3. Know Your Family History Like Your Life Depends on It
Because it might. Many major conditions—cancer, diabetes, heart disease—run in families. Don’t just brush it off. Ask questions. Get informed.
4. Prioritize Mental Health—It’s Part of Being Whole
“Anxiety, depression, PTSD—these don’t make you less of a man. They make you human,” Dr. Brockett Walker adds.
Therapy. Talking to a trusted friend. Showing up for yourself emotionally. Dr. Brockett Walker says we need to ditch the stigma and normalize the healing.
RELATED: Top 3 Mental Health Issues Affecting Black Men
5. Make Self-Care a Daily Habit, Not a Last Resort
Stress, pressure, and burnout are real. Here’s how Dr. Brockett Walker recommends staying ahead of the crash:
- Walk or move your body daily
- Eat real food more often than fast food
- Set boundaries and rest without guilt
- Make time for things that bring you joy
“Even small, consistent actions can make a huge impact,” she notes.
6. Don’t Delay—Early Care Means Better Outcomes
Putting off appointments? Avoiding the doctor? That delay can turn manageable issues into emergencies.
“A single positive encounter can shift a man’s perspective on healthcare,” Dr. Brockett Walker adds.
7. Find a Provider You Trust—It Makes All the Difference
Dr. Brockett Walker urges men to find providers who meet them with respect, empathy, and real talk. No judgment. No shame. Just support.
8. Know This: You Deserve Care
You don’t have to be near death to be taken seriously. You don’t have to “earn” rest or support. You deserve care because you’re human, and that’s enough.
Final Word from Dr. Brockett Walker:
“Health is not a one-time event—it’s a journey. Start small, keep going, and speak up. Your life could depend on it,” she concludes.
