Good health tops 2021 resolutions

The year 2021 will be the best year of my life.

Make resolutions? You bet. Actually, setting goals requires specific benchmarks, not willy-nilly aspirations.

Get healthy? Yes. Top of the list action includes getting in line for a COVID-19 vaccine then continuing critical safety behaviors — wear a mask. Practice safe social distancing. Avoid large gatherings. Wash hands regularly, etc.

With staying alive a number one goal, a colorectal examination registers on the health list. While the coronavirus has played a role in the deaths of approximately 330,000 U.S. residents, people still die from other health issues.

Preexisting health conditions have factored into thousands of deaths connected to COVID-19.

The death of actor Chadwick Boseman should have sounded the alarm about colorectal cancer.

According to the American Cancer Society, African Americans are 20% more likely to get colorectal cancer and 40% more likely to die from it than other groups. Black men have the highest incidence rate.

“Colorectal cancer is the second deadliest cancer in the country,” said Durado Brooks, M.D. vice president of prevention and early detection at the American Cancer Society.

Brooks’ post on the ACS website adds.

“This disease is ravaging the Black community and it is as important as ever that everyone has access to and is receiving the recommended screenings. Even during the coronavirus pandemic, necessary screening tests remain available to prevent the disease or find it at an early, more treatable stage.”

Plus, hypertension, high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes and other health issues impact African Americans and Latinos.

Many health issues involve poverty and minimal access to adequate health care.

So, 2021 offers opportunities in many areas of life but health comes first followed by improving relationships with family and friends.

Check out my other New Year’s resolutions on Thursday.

et healthy. Stay healthy. Happy New Year.