Brothers, See the Doctor, Please!

Black men face unique health challenges that are often compounded by social and economic factors such as discrimination, poverty, and lack of access to quality healthcare. This has resulted in disproportionately high rates of chronic diseases, mental health issues, and premature death among black men. As followers of Jesus Christ, we are responsible for caring for ourselves and our brothers and addressing these health disparities through the lens of the Gospel. In Romans 12:1-2, we are reminded to offer our bodies as living sacrifices to God and to renew our minds, not conforming to the patterns of this world. This includes caring for our physical health, as our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). 

To address the health issues facing black men, here are three actionable steps that men can take:

1. Seek regular medical check-ups: Proverbs 27:23 tells us to “know well the condition of your flocks, and give attention to your herds.” Just as a shepherd must take care of his flock, we must take care of our bodies by seeking regular medical check-ups to catch any health issues early on.

2. Practice self-care: In Luke 6:31, Jesus teaches us to “love your neighbor as yourself.” This includes loving and taking care of ourselves. Practicing self-care, such as getting enough sleep, eating healthy, and exercising, is essential for maintaining good physical and mental health.

3. Address social determinants of health: As followers of Jesus, we must fight against procrastination. We must also fight against injustice and oppression (Proverbs 31:8-9). This includes addressing the social determinants of health that disproportionately affect black men, such as poverty and lack of access to healthcare. Get involved in advocacy and community initiatives that aim to improve the overall well-being of black men.

Black men’s health is a pressing issue that requires action and a Gospel-centered approach. As men of God, let us take care of our bodies to honor God, practice self-care, and work towards addressing the systemic issues that contribute to health disparities in our communities.