KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — In recent years, there has been headline after headline of well known Black male entertainers who have died before age 60. From actor Chadwick Boseman to singer D’Angelo, the deaths have been surprising. They have also reignited conversations in the Black community about preventable health issues, especially in Black men.

For Tennova Family Medicine physician Dr. Eddie Brown, improving the health outcomes of Black men is personal. He tells men in the community that going to the doctor is bigger than just checking off the box of things that need to be done. He tells them their health is their wealth.

“Your legacy. So, if you don’t get proper screenings, how are your children going to know what things they need to look for or to be aware of? Your loved ones, how are you going to provide for them if you’re not able to provide for yourself?” Brown said.

Black men have the lowest life expectancy of all major male ethnicity groups. Ignoring preventative healthcare like annual physicals or colonoscopies can have devastating consequences.

Some of the most common health risks for Black men are heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, cancer, sickle cell disease, and diabetes. For all of these conditions, early detection and care can mean life-or-death results.

“A lot of times, it’s women, spouses, significant others, who are bringing or encouraging that male to come. And so, I would say, hey, we’ve got to be able to change the mold, change the outlook, change the perspective,” Brown explained.

Removing obstacles like socioeconomic barriers and increasing trust in healthcare providers is key.

“Me personally, I try to build rapport with people from the beginning to say, hey, what are the issues that we need to address today? Because if you don’t have rapport, it’s going to be hard for anyone to follow your advice or follow your lead in what you’re advising for them,” he said.

Dr. Brown says it’s imperative for everyone, but Black men especially, to build a relationship with a doctor you trust.

“Because doing those little things of just going for a yearly physical will help us to know what things we need to watch out for moving forward,” Brown said.

If insurance or finances are a barrier, there are resources in East Tennessee to get an annual physical. Health groups like River Valley Health, formally known as Cherokee Health, and Kim Health Center are just a few of the low or no-cost providers in our area.