Personal Narrative: Dave Chappelle

A few months ago, I was watching Netflix for Dave Chappelle’s iconic return. Around the 17th minute mark during “Deep in the Heart of Texas,” he mention the number one killer of black people. He paused so I was thinking he was going to say police or maybe other black people, but no. I was shocked when he shouted, “Salt.”

Since my mother is a doctor, I knew it was true but that didn’t stop the tears of laughter that came running down my face. Then it hit me.

“When is the last time I went to the doctor?”

I couldn’t really remember so I asked, “Why haven’t I been to the doctor?”

Here I am, the son of a Doctor, educated, and with free health care and I still haven’t been to the doctor since my mom made me back in college. I guess it is a blessing that I haven’t had to go for health concerns but at the same time I felt a little ashamed.
I found health issues that were alarming to me as an African American male like high blood pressure, obesity, heart disease, high cholesterol, prostate cancer, and diabetes. Much to my surprise, the amount of salt one consumes along with the rest of their diet, their genetic predisposition, and the amount of exercise they participate in effects male’s overall health.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 40% of African Americans suffer from high blood pressure.
● It is known as a “silent and deadly killer.”
● It can lead to heart disease and stroke.
● For African American males their blood pressure should be checked