Most men just don’t like to go to the doctor. Though this habit, all by itself, is hurting black men, there’s an even more dangerous thing they do: they lie about how healthy they are, and they ofte ignore symptoms that something isn’t quite right.
Especially when it comes to one particular disease….
Four in 10 people with at least one risk factor for type 2 diabetes—including obesity or high blood pressure—think they have no risk at all, finds a new survey by the American Diabetes Association. Even worse: 80 percent say they’re in good or excellent health.
“We as human beings try to protect ourselves,” says diabetes educator Virginia Peragallo-Dittko, R.N., who was involved in the research. “We say, ‘I don’t have it that bad. I’m not that overweight.’ ”
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But in this case, denial can hurt you. Especially since those who don’t admit they have a problem aren’t inclined to take the steps to fix it, Peragallo-Dittko says. That explains why 40 percent of at-risk people don’t eat healthier foods, and 65 percent don’t exercise regularly.
So, what can you do? Go to the doctor, find out your health numbers, including your blood pressure and your cholesterol level, and ask what you need to do to stay healthy.
