African American Health www.netwellness.org for African American Health Real Men, Real Issues What African-American Men Need to Know Presented By: Dr. Robert I. Haynie, MD, PhD visit us at www.netwellness.org

African American Health The lives people live can affect their health and lifespan. African American men are no exception. For these men, sickness and death are most often due to the "deadly quartet": Violence HIV/AIDS ("the Virus") Smoking Prostate Cancer visit us at www.netwellness.org

Violence In the United States: African American men between the ages of 24 to 40 are much more likely to die from homicides than any other ethnic group. Death rates for blacks are almost 3X higher than whites. James Gilligan, MD has observed a link between this increased death rate and the social & economic conditions of society, such as poverty, unemployment and education. visit us at www.netwellness.org

HIV/AIDS: "The Virus" AIDS stands for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome but you may know it by the term “the virus”. Currently, about 1/3 of all Americans who have AIDS are African-American men and women. visit us at www.netwellness.org

HIV/AIDS: "The Virus" AIDS stands for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome but you may know it by the term “the virus”. Currently, about 1/3 of all Americans who have AIDS are African-American men and women. Dr. Robert I. Haynie, MD, PhD visit us at www.netwellness.org

HIV/AIDS: "The Virus" There are several ways the virus is passed from one person to another: Sharing needles in IV drug use Blood transfusion (rare) Sexual contact, including oral, vaginal n and anal sex visit us at www.netwellness.org

HIV/AIDS: "The Virus" There are several ways the virus is passed from one person to another: Sharing needles in IV drug use Blood transfusion (rare) Sexual contact, including oral, vaginal n and anal sex Dr. Robert I. Haynie, MD, PhD visit us at www.netwellness.org

HIV/AIDS: "The Virus" There are several ways the virus is NOT passed from one person to another: Public restroom facilities Food prepared/handled by someone who has HIV virus Hugging or touching someone with HIV virus Dr. Robert I. Haynie, MD, PhD visit us at www.netwellness.org

HIV/AIDS: "The Virus" There are several ways the virus is NOT passed from one person to another: Public restroom facilities Food prepared/handled by someone who has HIV virus Hugging or touching someone with HIV virus Dr. Robert I. Haynie, MD, PhD visit us at www.netwellness.org

HIV/AIDS: "The Virus" AIDS transmitted through male-to-male sexual contact is considered the silent epidemic among black men given that “homosexuality in the African American community is never talked about”. visit us at www.netwellness.org

Smoking Smoking is a major cause of preventable disease in African American men including: Heart disease Cancer Stroke visit us at www.netwellness.org

Smoking Smoking is a major cause of preventable disease in African American men including: Heart disease Cancer Stroke Dr. Robert I. Haynie, MD, PhD visit us at www.netwellness.org

Smoking Tobacco related cancers account for almost half of new cancer cases in black men and about 1/3 of cancer deaths. In fact, the cancer death rate among black men has a higher rate of increase than any other ethnic group in this country. By eliminating tobacco use, most of these deaths could be prevented. visit us at www.netwellness.org

Smoking Tobacco related cancers account for almost half of new cancer cases in black men and about 1/3 of cancer deaths. In fact, the cancer death rate among black men has a higher rate of increase than any other ethnic group in this country. By eliminating tobacco use, most of these deaths could be prevented. Dr. Robert I. Haynie, MD, PhD visit us at www.netwellness.org

Prostate Cancer Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among black men. Prostate cancer occurs more often in black men than any other ethnic group in the world and, once discovered, black men die more frequently from the disease. visit us at www.netwellness.org

Prostate Cancer Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among black men. Prostate cancer occurs more often in black men than any other ethnic group in the world and, once discovered, black men die more frequently from the disease. Special thanks to Bishop Prince Joseph Moultry, CEO East Cleveland Jail Diversion Program. visit us at www.netwellness.org

Prostate Cancer When this cancer is diagnosed early, it May be cured. It is not known why this cancer is common and more deadly in African American men. There may be links to environmental actors, such as diet and limited access to medical care, preventing early detection and treatment. visit us at www.netwellness.org

What Can I Do To Improve My Health? Sickness and death from the "deadly quartet" can be prevented or be significantly reduced by early detection. Here are some practical tips to help you live healthier… visit us at www.netwellness.org

Avoid Violence Be in situations that are “violence free”. Avoid circumstances likely to be violent. Learn healthy ways to express feelings like anger. Understand that guns and poverty equal death. Recognize actions or words that “trigger” anger. visit us at www.netwellness.org

Avoid Violence Be an active listener to try and understand what the other person is saying. Brainstorm all ideas that might help resolve an argument, not just fighting. Teach your children how to handle conflict, so they can manage it better as adults. Seek professional help if you can't work it out. visit us at www.netwellness.org

Prevent HIV/AIDS Abstinence is the only sure way to prevent the sexual transmission of HIV. Know your partner. Avoid drinking alcohol and using drugs that may impair your judgment and the ability to make appropriate choices about sex. If you do have sex, ALWAYS use a latex condom. Get the HIV blood test if you suspect you could have the disease. Do not use IV drugs - do not share needles or syringes. visit us at www.netwellness.org

Quitting Smoking Set a quit date and choose a quit plan. Spend time with friends who don't smoke. Avoid people and places where you are tempted to smoke. Begin regular exercise you enjoy. Drink lots of water and juices. Reduce or avoid alcohol. Talk with your doctor about classes or nicotine replacement therapy (patch, gum or nasal spray). visit us at www.netwellness.org

Quitting Smoking Talk to your doctor about hypnosis or acupuncture to help you stop smoking. Tell friends and family of your plans to quit. Don't get discouraged. It may take several tries before you are successful. Reward yourself for each successful milestone: day, week, month. Buy yourself something with the money you saved. visit us at www.netwellness.org

Prevent/Detect Prostate Cancer See your doctor regularly Ask about two screening tests: PSA blood test & digital rectal exam Eat a healthful diet that is low in fat and includes plenty of fruits and vegetables visit us at www.netwellness.org

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