Wellness Wednesday: The Hidden Cost of Poor Health and Why Men Can’t Afford to Ignore It
As a father, husband, and health coach, I understand firsthand the weight of responsibility that comes with being a man. We wake up every day with one mission—to provide, protect, and be there for our families. But in the process of taking care of everyone else, we often forget to take care of ourselves.
I see it all the time with the men I coach. They put in long hours at work, run errands, coach their kid’s little league team, and handle all the responsibilities that come with being the head of a household. When they finally get a moment to breathe, their own health is the last thing on their minds. They push through fatigue, ignore warning signs, and tell themselves they’ll “get serious” about their health when life slows down—except life never does.
The reality is, the cost of neglecting our health isn’t just personal. It affects the people we love the most. Our families need us to be strong, present, and healthy for as long as possible. But how many of us will actually live long enough to see our kids grow up, walk our daughters down the aisle, or play with our grandkids?
If we gathered 100 men in a room, the statistics tell a sobering story. Many of these men won’t live long enough to see their kids graduate, walk their daughters down the aisle, or hold their grandchildren. And it’s not because they didn’t love their families—it’s because they didn’t take care of themselves while they still had time.
If 100 Men Were in a Room, Here’s What the Statistics Say About Health & Financial Cost
42 of them will develop heart disease. The average cost of treating heart disease can exceed $18,953 per year and over $1 million over a lifetime when factoring in medications, hospital stays, and surgery.
1 in 2 will be diagnosed with cancer. Cancer treatment costs range from $10,000 to $30,000 per month, with some therapies exceeding $100,000 per year. Many families are forced to take out second mortgages, dip into savings, or rely on crowdfunding.
14 will develop diabetes. The annual cost of diabetes management, including insulin and doctor visits, can exceed $9,601 per year per person, according to the American Diabetes Association.
35 will be obese. Obesity-related conditions lead to increased medical costs of around $1,429 more per year compared to men at a healthy weight.
50 will suffer from high blood pressure. The cost of blood pressure medications and related treatments can reach $1,500 per year—a significant financial burden, especially for those without insurance.
The Price of Ignoring Preventative Care
Many men avoid annual check-ups, screenings, and doctor visits due to cost concerns, but delaying care only makes it more expensive in the long run.
Skipping an annual physical ($100–$200) can lead to undiagnosed high blood pressure, which could result in a $30,000+ emergency room visit for a stroke or heart attack.
Avoiding a $50 prostate exam could lead to advanced-stage prostate cancer, with treatment costs exceeding $150,000.
Not managing high cholesterol with a $4 monthly prescription could lead to a heart attack requiring a $250,000+ bypass surgery.
The Health Crisis Among Black Men: A Silent Epidemic With a Devastating Cost
If we take the same room of 100 men and look specifically at Black men, the numbers become even more concerning. Heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure are among the leading causes of death, and Black men are disproportionately affected. Out of 100 Black men in this room:
40 will struggle with obesity, increasing the risk of chronic illnesses like diabetes and high blood pressure.
37 will develop heart disease—the leading cause of death among Black men in America.
Hypertension impacts over 40% of Black men. The lifetime cost of stroke recovery alone can exceed $150,000–$200,000 when factoring in rehabilitation, lost wages, and long-term care.
25 will develop diabetes, nearly double the rate of their white counterparts.
Black men are 1.5 times more likely to develop diabetes. Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to kidney failure, amputations, and blindness—driving up lifetime medical expenses to nearly $500,000 per person.
1 in 2 will develop cancer, with prostate cancer being the most prevalent and deadliest among Black men.
Black men are twice as likely to die from prostate cancer. Delayed screenings and limited healthcare access lead to later-stage diagnoses, increasing treatment costs and lowering survival rates.
1 in 3 will experience some form of mental health disorder, yet less than half will seek help due to stigma, lack of access, and cultural barriers.
Only 25% of Black men regularly see a doctor. This lack of preventative care results in higher emergency room visits, costly hospital stays, and a greater reliance on expensive medications.
Black men have the lowest life expectancy of any racial group in the U.S., with an average life span six years shorter than white men.
The Financial Toll on Families
When a man becomes sick or disabled, it’s not just his health that declines—it’s his family’s financial future that suffers.
Consider these real-life scenarios:
A 45-year-old father ignores his high blood pressure. He suffers a stroke, leaving him unable to work. His wife becomes the sole provider, and they struggle to pay for rehabilitation, medications, and mounting bills.
A 50-year-old business owner develops Type 2 diabetes but doesn’t change his lifestyle. Within 10 years, complications force him to sell his business to cover medical expenses.
A 38-year-old Black father is diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer due to delayed screenings. With three kids in school, his wife takes on multiple jobs to afford chemotherapy, but they still file for bankruptcy.
The financial fallout of poor health is devastating. But here’s the good news: we can change the numbers.
How We Can Change the Statistics for Men’s Health
The solution to avoiding financial and health disasters is simple: take proactive steps before problems arise.
1. Get Regular Check-Ups & Screenings
Men often avoid doctor visits, but early detection saves lives and money.
Annual physical exams: Catch high blood pressure, cholesterol issues, and early signs of disease before they worsen.
Prostate exams (40+ years old): The earlier prostate cancer is caught, the cheaper and easier it is to treat.
Blood sugar tests: Prevent diabetes complications by managing it early.
Heart health screenings: Get EKGs, stress tests, and cholesterol panels to prevent expensive cardiac events.
A $200 check-up today could save you hundreds of thousands in future medical costs.
2. Lifestyle Interventions: Invest in Your Future
Strength train 3 times a week: Lifting weights prevents muscle loss, reduces injury risk, and keeps medical bills down.
Eat real, whole foods: Reduce obesity-related expenses by focusing on lean protein, vegetables, and healthy fats.
Walk at least 7,000 steps a day: Regular movement lowers heart disease risk by up to 50%.
Cut out processed foods & sugary drinks: They contribute to diabetes, heart disease, and skyrocketing healthcare costs.
3. Mental Health Matters: Protect Your Mind & Finances
Depression and stress can lead to:
Lower work productivity and financial instability.
Increased risk of chronic illness (which means higher healthcare costs).
Higher divorce rates and family strain.
Seek therapy, practice stress management, and prioritize mental well-being.
4. Plan for the Future: Insurance & Financial Security
Get health insurance. Even a basic plan reduces out-of-pocket costs for check-ups and screenings.
Invest in life and disability insurance. A sudden illness or injury could leave your family financially devastated.
Create a will and financial plan. Protect your assets in case of unexpected medical events.
Be the Man Who Defies the Statistics
You have a choice. You can become a statistic—or you can take control of your health, your finances, and your future.
Taking care of your body isn’t just about living longer—it’s about protecting your family from unnecessary financial hardship.
Your kids don’t just need you alive; they need you strong, healthy, and financially stable.
The cost of good health is an investment. The cost of poor health? It’s a bill you and your family can’t afford to pay.
So, which man in that room will you be?
