Remembering Mac and Hayes: Taking Action on Black Men’s Health

August 21, 2008 by Colin Lovett

By DeNita S.B. Morris – Beehive Producer, PIC Network

You’re probably very familiar with the death statistics of young black men: They die too soon and too often, due in large part to senseless violence, drugs, HIV/AIDS, etc. But, what about the older, more seasoned men we’re losing too early, and what’s starting to feel like, too frequently?

Bernie Mac - Courtesy of mamaa wolff

The recent deaths of comedienne Bernie Mac, 50, and vocal-icon and “Black Moses” Isaac Hayes, 65, shed some serious and much-needed light on the African American fathers, grandfathers, uncles, brothers and sons who are dying too soon due to poor health and poorer health outcomes.

Like you, I mourned the loss of Bernie Mac, who died of pneumonia this month. Without much time to remember and reflect on this sad reality, Isaac Hayes suffered a heart attack the next day. I had to stop and think about the well-being of all black men, young and old, and what simple, and often overlooked, things they can do to improve their health today.

Here’s what they need to know:

Go to the doctor when you’re feeling well, too. Statistics show that black men don’t go to the doctor regularly, if at all. Don’t wait until you “can’t bear the pain.” Remember, the best time to see a doctor is regularly and before you get sick.

Aim to do the right thing for your health on most days. Eating more healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables, minimizing drinking, quitting smoking and fitting in physical activity are all critical to your total-body health. Try to eliminate bad habits that you know aren’t good for your body.

Seek free help. There are many state-sponsored programs to help you eat right, get fit and be well. If you have health care coverage, contact your HMO/PPO about free nutrition and fitness education classes. Or, contact your local health care clinic and see what programs they have available to help you meet your wellness goals.

Health isn’t guaranteed. Bernie Mac and Isaac Hayes had access to the best health care that money could buy, and they still died too soon and too young. So, what does that mean for the rest of us every day folks? The lesson is to make every day count by being good stewards of our bodies. We want to live all of our days in the best health possible. Make it a point to laugh often, sing your favorite songs and enjoy life just like Mac and Hayes, with no regrets.

Know the facts. Black men live 7.1 fewer years than men of all other racial groups and they experience higher death rates in all the leading causes of death, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. There are many reasons that factor into this statistic, including racial discrimination, a lack of affordable health services, poor health education, cultural barriers, poverty, employment that does not carry health insurance, insufficient medical and social services catering for black men and family history.

Take action. You can change your health and your health outcomes, but the first step starts with you.

So, while we mourn and remember these legends of comedy and music, I want to encourage all men, particularly black men, to schedule a check-up or wellness exam today. Or, if you know someone who needs a gentle nudge to see his doctor, learn more about “Take a Loved One for a Check-Up Day (September 16, 2008),” and schedule an appointment for him (and yourself). There’s no time like the present to take action!

For more on health care and staying well, visit our sister site, the Beehive, for ideas and resources. Also, checkout our two part Guide to American Health Care, which we posted this week, here and here.