10 Symptoms Black Men Always Ignore (But Shouldn’t)

Men tend to ignore subtle symptoms that their health is in trouble. Black men might be even more likely to take health changes in stride because of cultural beliefs and expectations. That’s a bad idea because Black men can be prone to certain illnesses more than other ethnicities. Here are 10 symptoms Black men should never ignore. 1. Unexplained Weight Changes Unless you’re trying to lose or gain weight, significant weight changes should never be ignored. Unintended weight loss may be an indication of serious illnesses such as diabetes, congestive heart failure, and cancer. Weight gain, on the other hand, could indicate issues with the heart, digestive system, or thyroid. As a Black man, it’s important to pay attention to these changes because studies show that Black Americans continue to be more at risk for the illnesses listed above. 2. Persistent Itching While a persistent itch could be a simple irritation that a dermatologist can address, it can also be a sign of something much worse. In some cases, an itch that won’t go away can indicate a type of cancer, such as lymphoma or myeloma, or diabetes. This is especially important to note for Black men as diabetes continues...