Why Black Men Die Sooner (And How They Can Beat The Odds) (580 hits)
(BlackDoctor.org) -- No matter the research study, scientific finding, or health care statistic, one of the most consistent health facts around is that men, in general, do not live as long as women.
• Coronary artery disease (CAD) is three times higher among men who are clinically depressed.
• Male suicides outnumber female suicides in every age group.
• Homicide and suicide are among the top three causes for death among males between the ages of 15 and 34.
• By the age of 85, women outnumber men in the U.S. 2.2 to 1; this rises to 3 to 1 if they reach their 90s.
These very sobering numbers force us to ask a very important question: why?
According to Marianne J. Legato, MD, there are various biological, cultural, and personal reasons that men's life span in the U.S. lasts an average of six years less than women's.
“Male mortality is shorter in part, Legato says, because males are more fragile and inherently vulnerable than females from birth. And unlike women, who have fought hard to have their specific health needs validated and addressed, men haven't demanded equal treatment.”
• Conditioning. The challenges in men’s health are in part a byproduct of the rules set shortly after birth, Legato says: Suck up the pain, don't be a wimp, show no weakness, and "man up." Many men only seek medical counsel when under duress from a spouse or when their condition has deteriorated to a severe state.
• Women are better at demanding help. "Women are able to logically ask for help," says Legato, who has long promoted the concept of gender-specific medicine. "They're hardwired in the brain and very motivated."
Hi Jen: I think recently awareness among Black men and their health care has started more dedication for men to begin to take better wellness steps. Many Black men are making changes in their diet and exercise and lifestyles. Sure they want to live longer, and healther. I feel eventually with wellness education they will be aroused to tune in to their health needs. . and they'll stop being wimps who fear better health. They will be strong!!
Saturday, December 10th 2011 at 9:18AM
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