3 Health Conditions That Are More Common in Black Men

Posted by Sam Davis on September 19, 2019
3 Health Conditions That Are More Common in Black Men

At Golden Grooming Co., we care about what's going on inside your body just as much as we care about the outside. Being healthy is more than just "looking healthy", and we know that physical health is a key factor in overall health. There's a long-standing stigma about black men's hesitance to visit the doctor's office – our goal is to change that. To properly protect your health, you should identify any personal risk factors you possess. Oftentimes, these personal risk factors will pertain to your ethnic or racial background. For African-American men, it is a good idea to keep an eye out for the following health conditions. 

Sickle Cell Anemia

Sickle cell anemia affects approximately eight percent of black men in America. The disease causes the body to produce red blood cells that are abnormally shaped. These oddly shaped blood cells will struggle to move through blood vessels. The lack of blood flow can result in pain and organ damage. The sickle-shaped blood cells also do not last as long as healthy blood cells and cause anemia in the afflicted person. Children born with sickle cell disease usually begin to show symptoms at about five to six months of age. 

High Blood Pressure

Black men develop high blood pressure more often and at younger ages than other demographic groups. In fact, 42 percent of black men develop problems with their blood pressure by the time they are in their twenties. High blood pressure is a serious risk factor for heart disease and needs to be addressed as soon as a diagnosis is made. 


Many times, simple lifestyle changes like exercise and healthier eating habits are enough to improve mild cases of high blood pressure. Moderate to severe high blood pressure issues will likely require medication. There are lots of medications advertised for high blood pressure that you'll see on TV, making medication research and monitoring seem like a patient’s responsibility. But deciding on medication is best left to a doctor who knows your needs best.

Diabetes

Black men are at a much higher risk for type 2 diabetes than most other Americans. If left untreated, type 2 diabetes can cause extensive damage to organs and physical extremities. Unfortunately, too many black men ignore the warnings given to them about this disease only to pay a heavy price in the long run. The good news is that type 2 diabetes is both preventable and treatable. 


Healthy lifestyle changes like daily exercise and better eating habits are a general prescription for combatting the progression of type 2 diabetes. Some more serious cases may require insulin or other medications. 


All of us were born with predetermined risk factors for illness and disease. However, this does not mean you have to succumb to a particular disease. You will improve your prospects of living a long and healthy life by identifying these risk factors early and by taking precautions against them.


The Golden Grooming Company is dedicated to promoting wellness and self-care among men of color. We want to help you take your physical, mental, and emotional health to the next level, and our Free Level-Up Challenge is a great way to get started. We also offer the finest selection of grooming tools and products designed specifically for black men!