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Brain Body Beard

So my best friend and I were at the gym December 27 like any 20 something just tryna maintain their jock features, when we came across some ideas for the new year. This was a typical “imma get my shit together” convo most 20 somethings have when the words BRAIN. BODY. BEARD came out of our mouths. In a nutshell, we had talked about the lack of talking about men's health with other men. Most men (especially black men, which I am) go about life just kind of winging it with health. There’s money to be made, homes to be built, positions to be gained, and off course living out the glory years called our 20′s. But it has a serious effect on us later. According to Marianne J. Legato, MD, the author of Why Men Die First: How to Lengthen Your Lifespan, women’s life span averages 6 years more than men due to biological, cultural, and personal reasons. I have to say I agree with what she says. We don’t willingly go to the doctor because we don’t want to ask for help or seem “weak”. We are inherent risk takers and sometimes put action before logic. This past week marks the first time I’ve been to the doctors for a routine exam in 3 years because I felt like I didn’t need to go. Brain Body Beard is sort of a declaration to put men’s health back on top of the enormous list of shit to do because you can’t do any of the other exciting and life-changing things if your dead. Here’s a rundown of B.B.B (not affiliated with Big Baller Brand).

BRAIN: If you’re not learning, you’re slowly dying. The brain is very malleable and can make new neuron connections well into old age. Take for example Robert Frost who was writing poems well into his 90′s. Try reading a new book every month or so, try doing puzzles, chess, writing, playing an instrument, anything to expand your mind.

BODY: The most obvious one and still ignored. I have plenty of workout advice that’ll share in later blogs, but I’ll save this for overall well-being. You can’t enjoy the fruits of your labor, your family, or whatever you hold dear if you're sick. Obesity is becoming more of a common theme in America and it is killing men. Check out the CDC for the stats on heart disease. Not to mention it kills the very thing that makes us men, TESTOSTERONE! Simply eat fresh foods, workout 3-5 times a week, get 8 hours of sleep, and wrap it up! Your body is a 67 Chevelle, keep that baby running smooth. 

BEARD: *Disclaimer* I DO NOT have the best beard on planet earth, but I take care of what I have. The beard is really a symbol of manhood in the physical and psychological sense. A man takes care of his beard and grooms himself to attract a mate and show status within society. As men and in our gym conversation, BEARD refers to the idea of a man walking through the uncertainties of life confidently and on his A game. I believe as a man we all aspire to walk in a room and steal the show simply with our alpha like confidence, as we should. Please note that I am not saying this as some misogynistic ass, but to simply promote male confidence. believe it or not, a lot of us put on a fact macho act because deep down, we’re really lacking the confidence.