In March of this year, I contracted Covid-19. I did all the things that the CDC instructed me to do. I remained, as much as possible, six feet apart from others, washed my hands often, quarantined when I or my family was in close proximity to someone with Covid, yet it still found a way to overcome me and my nephew, while skipping over my wife and son. In addition to having Covid, I also had pneumonia, a preexisting condition, asthma, and my normal seasonal allergies. As a result, I was hospitalized for five days and out of work for over a month.
How Working Dads Can Prioritize Self-Care
When it comes to men’s physical and mental health, we don’t often think about how the outcomes of bad health will impact our families. We barely think about how it will impact us. Sadly, health often doesn’t become a factor until we’re faced with a health issue we can’t ignore. And for Black men, this is especially problematic. According to research, Black men experience the worst health outcomes of any other demographic group. Society tells us part of being a good father is making sure that you are present and available for your family, which means that we often ignore our own health. Rather than putting it off, working fathers — especially fathers of color — need to embrace self-care in a number of ways. First, embrace the opportunities for change. Second, make the effort — and make it a habit. Third, talk to others about health. Finally, acknowledge your importance and self-worth, so you’re sure to look after you.