Recently, a 42 year old African American male traveled to a family reunion by car after deciding not to fly.  He arrived after a three day drive, collapsed, and died.  His family learned that he was on dialysis and never knew that he had developed kidney failure from complications of diabetes and hypertension.

There are several stressors that affect African American men that are not as prevalent in other groups of men.  These factors are difficult for some health professionals to appreciate, but racial discrimination, community violence, mental health, unemployment, and poverty contribute to the failure of African American men to discuss health issues with family members and significant others.

During this Thanksgiving season, it has been suggested that African American and other underserved men discuss the health issues that affect family members.