Take Charge of Your Health Today. Be Informed. Be Involved…Black men’s health

CARLOS T. CARTER& The Community Health Series Partnership (CHSP) has always made a point to center its information on the health and wellness of the Black community at large. This month, we’re focusing& specifically& on the health of Black men — a topic the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh and others have indicated is especially important. Q: Thanks for joining us again, Carlos. Why is Black men’s health so crucial?& Carlos Carter: The& mere fact that Black men are dying too early is reason enough for this topic’s importance. Unfortunately, Black men have some of the lowest life expectancies and health outcomes of all groups except& Native Americans.& & & As a middle-aged Black man, I watch too many of my peers — some& folks younger than me and& others& slightly older —& face daunting health issues that could be avoided.& I’ve seen friends and community members suffer from heart disease, diabetes, strokes, obesity and poor diets,& and& mental health crises. Recently, I was& heartbroken (and terrified)& when I was called& to visit a close friend in his early forties& who was& hospitalized (barely escaping& death)& because he& simply& didn’t take& his blood pressure medicine. Because he hasn’t prioritized his...