auto accidents and being shot.
Diabetes and Hypertension
The statistics are staggering around diabetes and hypertension. Nearly 15 percent of Black Americans 20 years or older have diabetes, and we are 1.5 times more likely to contract diabetes versus whites. Forty-two percent of Black men suffer from hypertension according to the CDC, and since 36 percent of Black men are obese, this increases your risk for both diseases.
Make sure you have your body mass index (BMI) measured based on your height and weight to determine obesity. According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, if your BMI is between 18.5 and 25, this is considered normal. If you are a smoker, don’t exercise and have a BMI over 30, this places you at higher risk for diabetes and hypertension.
If your blood pressure is greater than 135 over 80, this could also be a sign of diabetes. Tests for diabetes may include a hemoglobin A1C blood test, a fasting plasma glucose (FPG) test, or an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). If you take a single test, this can be sufficient in diagnosing diabetes. However, a second test is also conducted to confirm your glucose levels are abnormal.
READ: What Your Testicles Reveal About Your Health
Testicular Exam
You should always be aware of any abnormalities relating to your testicles. Testicular cancer usually affects men between the ages of 15 and 40.
Having this test performed by your physician and also knowing how to perform it on yourself is critical to you noticing any changes in symptoms. While the risk of testicular cancer is small after 40, the risk of prostate cancer increases after the age of 50.
Colon Exam
Colon cancer is the second leading cause of death of cancer in the U.S. for both men and women according to the American Cancer Society. Make sure when you hit 40 years of age you are screened for colorectal (colon) cancer.
Your doctor may have you tested earlier if it runs in your family. This painless procedure only takes 15 to 20 minutes. But, this test can be a critical one in detecting colon cancer early when it is treatable. This screening allows your doctor to find and remove precancerous growths before they become malignant.
Being smart and proactive about your health care can save your life. Taking proper precautions and receiving the right health screenings will place you on the path to living a healthier and longer life. Don’t delay doing what’s needed to keep you at your best!