Young Black Men Urged to Prioritize Health Screenings and Prevention

It’s time to focus on men’s physical and mental health. It’s time to encourage men to see doctors more often, raise awareness about specific issues like prostate and testicular cancer, and address men’s mental health challenges, such as depression and anxiety.  

When it comes to health, too many young Black men wait for a problem before they act. A crisis shouldn’t be the wake-up call; prevention should be the plan.

Houston chef Daniel Pinesette Jr, 25, is the community chef at the African American Health Coalition. Nutrition education is deeply personal for him. His father passed away from congestive heart failure in 2017. It reshaped his entire outlook on life, food, and health.

“My dad was the cook in the family,” Pinesette says. “After he passed, I realized it wasn’t just what he was eating, it was that he wasn’t paying attention to his health. Not taking medicine, not seeing doctors, not knowing what was really going on. I didn’t want to repeat that story.”

So, he picked up where his father left off, only this time, with intention. As a graduate of Galveston College’s culinary program, he now teaches others how to make the food they love without sacrificing their health.

When Pinesette speaks to his peers, he often hears the “same excuses” as to why they usually don’t get their health checked. 

“When I talk to guys my age, they’ll say, ‘Oh, I need to go,’ or, ‘I’ll do it next week,’” he says. “They’ll say they’re hurting but don’t want to get checked out because of money or fear. A lot of it is just avoiding the conversation altogether.”

That attitude, waiting until something’s wrong, is exactly what doctors and community leaders want to change.

According to the U.S Department of Health and Human Services, young people must see health care providers regularly. Regular check-ups ensure that adolescents receive the recommended clinical preventive services, including immunizations, screening tests, and health counseling, which are essential for their age group. 

Routine health care visits help prevent unhealthy behaviors, promote healthy decision-making, and reduce the likelihood of developing major health issues now and in the future.

Young people don’t have to wait until they are 40 years old to prioritize health screenings. Medical experts emphasize that young adults should be aware of their blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels, as early screenings and awareness are crucial for maintaining long-term health.

“A doctor and patient should be partners in health,” says Dr. Julie Nguyen, a primary-care physician at Houston Methodist, in a statement. “Working together, we can help you live a healthy life.”

This means it’s never too early to establish a relationship with a primary-care provider. Even healthy, young adults benefit.

Shifting the Mindset

That’s the message Jamail Johnson, VP of strategic partnerships for the National Center for Urban Solutions, wants young men to hear loud and clear. As the former executive director of the African American Male Wellness Agency in Houston, the organization is shifting the focus from “catching up” to staying ahead.

“We’re trying to get men to think about health the same way they think about money or cars,” he says. “You don’t wait until your engine blows to check the oil. The same goes for your body.”

For many Black men, especially those in their 20s and 30s, building careers or families, health often takes a back seat. 

“Our first doctor’s appointment is in the emergency room,” Johnson says. “We glorify strength so much that we try to fight through the pain. And by the time the heart attack happens or the stroke hits, our body is saying, ‘I can’t go any further.’”

Johnson points out that elevated blood pressure, poor nutrition, chronic stress, and lack of exercise often develop years before symptoms emerge.

“What we treat as old-man issues are showing up in our twenties and thirties,” he says. “We have to give attention to our bodies now.”

In Houston neighborhoods like Sunnyside, life expectancy is among the lowest in the city. The African American Health Coalition (AAHC)  is working to change that by bringing health awareness into everyday settings.

Board member Kyle Maronie says the coalition is creating “safe, welcoming places” where young Black men can discuss health openly and build trust.

“We meet men in places they’re comfortable, barbershops, community centers, and we say it’s okay to go to the doctor,” Maronie says. “I want us to live full lives.”

There are, however, many challenges to overcome to encourage young men to come around.

“They’re working two jobs, building a life, and health gets pushed off, Maronie says. “We’ll say, at least get an annual checkup. Know your numbers. Find a doctor you trust.”

Recently, the AAHC hosted a “Chop It Up: Black Box Edition” Cooking Demonstration session with Pinesette, showcasing a healthier and fun way to prepare family-sized meals.

“It’s not like a doctor in the office telling you, ‘hey, you need to eat more vegetables because your diabetes is getting out of control,’” Maronie says. “We want to meet people where they are. A community care structure where people can feel safe to come out and ask questions, and just come and learn.”

The African-American Male Wellness Agency hosts monthly sessions called “Real Men Real Talk” to create a space for Black men to be vulnerable and engage in thoughtful conversations.  

Mental health challenges are an often silent crisis within the Black community, particularly among Black men. Stigma, cultural barriers, and a lack of access to resources prevent many from seeking the help they need. It’s these conversations, Johnson says are necessary to get more young men to prioritize their overall health. 

“We are working to create brave spaces around the country,” Johnson says. “Health is not just physical wellness. It’s all about our mindset. It’s about support and access.”

4 Key Health Numbers Every Man Should Know

Blood Sugar: Keep it under 100 mg/dL fasting to help prevent diabetes. Regular screenings catch early warning signs before they become serious.

Total Cholesterol: Aim for a total cholesterol level of under200 mg/dL to protect your heart. Balance your “good” (HDL) and “bad” (LDL) levels with diet and exercise.

Body Mass Index (BMI): Healthy range: 18.5–24.9. High BMI raises risk for diabetes, hypertension, and other chronic diseases.

Blood Pressure: Target: below 120/80 mmHg. Known as the “silent killer,” high blood pressure can quietly damage the heart if unchecked.

This story was originally published on Word In Black on January 7th, 2026.