regular visits to a medical professional can help you identify and manage complications related to diabetes. Also, regular exercise can play a role in reducing the risks associated with diabetes, obesity, and high blood pressure.
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Cancer
When it comes to cancer, Blacks are dying at the highest rate and have the shortest survival in comparison to any other racial group, according to the American Cancer Society. What exactly does this mean?
It means that we are being diagnosed with cancer much later in its progression and because of this, our chances of survival are reduced. The cancers that commonly affect men include skin, prostate, lung, and colon cancers. Prostate cancer affects Black men at a much higher rate than any other group for unknown reasons.
It is recommended that Black men get tested for prostate cancer as early as 40 years old. Essentially knowing family history and understanding other risk factors associated with cancer can help to identify any cancer in the body early and save a life.
Kidney Failure
African Americans and Blacks also have extremely high rates of kidney disease and this is due to high incidence rates of heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Identifying and being knowledgeable about these risk factors is crucial in preventing and managing kidney disease.
Medical professionals can test a patient’s kidney function, blood sugar, urine protein, and blood pressure to help identify kidney disease according to the National Kidney Foundation.
It is important to take charge of your health. Make sure to see a medical professional regularly and understand your personal family history and the risks that you may have for any disease. In addition to this, create a healthy lifestyle for yourself in order to live a longer life. Remember, health is wealth!