Protect your health and well-being with practical prevention strategies you can start today.
When it comes to staying healthy, one of the best things we can do is focus on prevention. That means taking action before illness happens.
Many serious health problems that affect men—like heart disease, cancer, and diabetes—can often be prevented or caught early with the right steps. That’s why regular check-ups, healthy habits, and paying attention to how we feel are so important.
Why Prevention Is Important
In the United States, men usually live about five years less than women (CDC, 2022). One reason for this is that men are less likely to go to the doctor for regular check-ups unless they feel really sick. This means that some health problems often go unnoticed until they become severe.
Let’s look at some facts:
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men in the U.S., causing about 1 in every 4 male deaths (CDC, 2022).
Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men. In 2023, nearly 300,000 new cases were expected, with over 35,000 deaths (American Cancer Society, 2023).
About 15 million men have diabetes, and many don’t even know it (CDC, 2023). Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to serious problems, like blindness, kidney failure, and amputations.
But here’s the good news: you can take steps to protect yourself.
What You Can Do Right Now
Visit Your Doctor At Least Every Year
Even if you feel fine, seeing a doctor once a year helps catch problems early. Blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and prostate screenings are especially important for men over 40.
Learn Your Health Numbers
Ask your doctor to explain what your test results mean. Keeping your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar in a healthy range lowers your risk for heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
Get Screened for Cancer
Men should begin talking with their doctor about prostate cancer screening around age 50, or earlier if they have a family history. Colon cancer screening is also important starting at age 45.
Take Care of Your Mental Health
Prevention isn’t just about physical health. Depression, anxiety, and stress can also impact your overall well-being. Talk to someone you trust or a health provider if you’re struggling. You do not have to handle the hard times alone.
Eat Healthy and Stay Active
A healthy diet and regular exercise are powerful tools for staying ahead of illness. Aim to eat more fruits and vegetables, choose whole grains, drink plenty of water, and stay active at least 30 minutes a day.
Closing the Health Gap for All Men
Men of color, especially Black and Hispanic men, face even higher risks of many health issues. For example, Black men are twice as likely to die from prostate cancer as white men (American Cancer Society, 2023). They are also more likely to have high blood pressure and less likely to have it under control (CDC, 2023).
This is why health equity and justice are so important. Everyone deserves the same chance to live a healthy life, no matter where they live, what they look like, or how much money they make.
Own Your Health, Own Your Future
Taking care of your health is one of the most powerful things you can do—not just for yourself, but for your family and your community. Prevention isn’t about being scared —it’s about being strong, smart, and living a good life.
You matter. Your health matters. Start small, but start today.
References:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Heart disease facts. https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/facts.htm
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). National Diabetes Statistics Report. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/data/statistics-report/index.html
American Cancer Society. (2023). Cancer facts & figures 2023. https://www.cancer.org/research/cancer-facts-statistics.html
Dr. Frederick Echols, MD, is available as a subject matter expert on public health for press interviews and speaking engagements.
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About Dr. Fredrick Echols, MD
Dr. Fredrick L. Echols, MD is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Population Health and Social Justice Consulting, LLC, an Obama Foundation Global Leader, sought-after public speaker, black men’s health advocate, and accomplished physician with over 15 years of experience in public health. He has worked extensively with public and private sectors to address complex health issues through evidence-informed approaches. Dr. Echols is a graduate of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Population Health Training in Place program and the ASTHO-Morehouse School of Medicine’s Diverse Executives Leading in Public Health program.
Passionate about health and justice, Dr . Echols’ notable roles include serving as Chief Executive Officer for Cure Violence Global, Health Commissioner for the City of St. Louis, and Director of Communicable Disease and Emergency Preparedness for the St. Louis County Department of Public Health. In these roles, he oversaw public health regulations, led COVID-19 response efforts, managed daily operations, and developed strategic partnerships. Dr. Echols also served as Chief of Communicable Diseases for the Illinois Department of Public Health and as a physician in the U.S. Navy. He continues to contribute to public health research and guides health organizations globally.
For more health tips follow Dr. Fredrick Echols @ Fredrick.Echols@gmail.com
Follow Dr. Echols on socials:
- Facebook: @FredrickEchols
- Instagram: @F.EcholsMD
- LinkedIn: @FredrickEcholsMD ( www.linkedin.com/in/fredrick-echols-m-d-5a2063225)
Contact Dr. Echols for speaking engagements and consultation opportunities: 404-386-1522
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