[Kamikaze] To Our Health

I have to shamefully admit that it’s been over a decade since my last trip to a doctor’s office. That’s any doctor’s office, anywhere, for any kind of checkup. Sure, I’ve been to the emergency room several times. Even took a couple of trips to MEA. But those were only instances where the discomfort had become too much to bear. Either I was in pain or had a broken bone or some ailment that required immediate attention. I wasn’t thinking about “being healthy.”

I was like many other black males who avoided regular checkups. I figured as long as I played the part, there would be no need. I work out regularly, I stay away from fried foods, I don’t eat pork or red meat, and I voluntarily cut down on my salt intake. Rappers don’t live the healthiest lifestyles. So the years of drinking, fast food, stress and little sleep urged me to change many of my bad habits without doctor’s orders. So I trimmed off some weight and lived a little cleaner. Still, I never saw a need to see a doctor.

But a few things changed for me this year. First, I lost my mother, a traditionally healthy woman who succumbed to diabetes and congestive heart failure. Stubborn as she was, she rarely listened to her physicians. The fact that I’ve had three uncles on my father’s side die suddenly from heart attacks dictates the need to be more proactive.

Second, I married a wonderful woman, and we’re expecting a beautiful baby girl. I want to stick around and grow old with them and our other three youngsters.

Third, for the first time since I worked at the Associated Press, I’ve got health benefits. That’s right. See, as of today, rappers don’t have health-care plans. We don’t have 401K plans, either. The most successful are paying out of their pockets for care. And the full-time independent artist (which I am) who’s not making millions still pays out of pocket, too, even though we’ve got some of the same expenses, and we work just as hard as someone sitting in a cubicle.

Luckily, our Farish Street Investment Team has insurance and after taking a deep breath, I called and made my first appointment in a long time. Unfortunately, a lot of folks in America can’t. Even if they want to.

Men, if you have anyone that loves you, respect the fact that they want you to stick around. Regardless of color or creed, the most responsible thing you can do is go get yourself checked out. Even if you “feel” OK, take all the tests: blood pressure, cholesterol, prostate exam—the works. You’ll thank yourself later.

And that’s the truth … sho-nuff

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The Mississippi Free Press produced this story through the MFP Solutions Lab, supported by the Solutions Journalism Network. This series digs into Mississippi’s systemic issues and sheds light on responses to them in other communities. Beyond just reporting on problems, these stories interrogate their causes and inspect potential solutions.