Unintentional Injury Deaths
(From the Michigan Department of Community Health - MDCH)

African-American men often do not like to talk about their health problems.  They may not see a doctor until serious problems have developed.  This makes prevention of illness and treatment difficult.

Understanding more about your body and how it works can help you develop a healthy lifestyle.  This can prevent illness or disease.  The major risky health behaviors are smoking, alcohol and substance abuse, lack of exercise, poor diet, unsafe sex and not wearing seatbelts in cars.  These are things that can lead to illness, disability and death.

Unintentional injury deaths are deaths that are the result of accidents.  Accidental deaths have risen slightly among African-American men.  They are the fourth leading cause of death for black men of all ages, but the number one cause of death for black males from 1 to 14 years old.  Traffic accidents account for almost 50 percent of these deaths.  Black males must be encouraged to wear seatbelts.  Other types of accidental deaths are drownings, accidental shootings, fires, accidental poisonings and falls.

Risk Factors:

Major factors that can be changed are failure to wear seatbelts, not strapping children and infants into restrain seats, driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs and speeding.  Other factors that can be changed are careless or unsafe storage of guns and use of dangerous chemicals in the home.

What You Can Do:

Practicing more personal safety habits can greatly reduce fatal injuries.  You can also become involved in safety and injury prevention programs in your community. 

You Can Make the Difference:

Staying informed about your health and avoiding risky health behaviors are vital in fighting the health problems black men face today.  Develop a plan that works best for you.