The Ball is in Your Court

The other day I was talking to one of my African American male patients about life style and staying health. "Frankly, physicians never talk to me about staying healthy," he said. He explained that all of his life he had a fear of physicians and thought he was healthy. Of course that was not the case because his mouth was in poor condition and he had unrecognized diabetes. Closing the Gap in Health Care, Inc. encouraged him to go the doctor and now he is glad he did.

Perhaps this story can be told many times by others African American men and women, but if you are in doubt get yourself checked out by a doctor who can communicate with you in a way that you understand and appreciate. The physician is your advocate when it comes to health care, but he can not do it if he never sees you. Remember when it comes to your health “the ball is in your court.”

I am Dr. Thaddeus John Bell--- Closing the Gap in Health Care, Inc.

Bell Update Volume 2, Chapter 47
Copyright November 2007