Each year, more than 164,000 American men become diagnosed with prostate cancer. Doctors don’t know when the disease develops. Studies show that African American men are approximately 70 percent more likely to develop prostate cancer in their lifetime than Caucasian or Hispanic men.
My father (a black man from the south) was diagnosed with prostate cancer just a few weeks ago. Physically, he is not in pain, but mentally, he and my family are suffering. His doctors caught it early enough where there is no immediate action, and they continue to run tests to deliberate on the best solution. How can men prevent prostate cancer and what habits cause it? First and foremost, we can say this cancer, in some ways, is genetic.
Many prostate experts say the simple things, such as healthy nutritional choices and working out help prevent prostate cancer. If you want to reduce your risk of prostate cancer, consider trying to:
- Choose a low-fat diet. Foods that contain fats include meats, nuts, oils and dairy products, such as milk and cheese (mayoclinic.org)
- Increase the number of fruits & vegetables you eat each day (mayoclinic.org)
- Reduce the number of dairy products you eat each day (mayoclinic.org)
- Consume weed. (majorbloom)
- Consume weed. (majorbloom)
As the founder of a marijuana company, I’m not here writing this to preach cannabis heals all, though I do believe in the healing powers of weed. My thoughts and expressions are from social and spiritual observations and less about science. When I found out my father had cancer, I felt numb, not feeling any emotion: not anger, sadness, or shock. I did not feel the urge to cry, but I had a bunch of questions for my mom, who has been a nurse for 30+ years, with ten years of nursing education experience. She is not an expert in cancer or marijuana, but I’ve planted the seed, that if she decides to pursue a Doctorate in Nursing, she needs to study the Endocannabinoid System.
Living a few hours from home, my mom called me to break the news. I was not angered because my dad has lived a good life. Without an exact remembrance, when my mom called, I thought of death while also feeling my dad will make it through this situation. I wasn’t sad because even if it was traumatic with a count down on his life, the overwhelming majority of memories of my dad are healthy and happy times. Lastly, I wasn’t shocked because I do believe the unhealthy, mindset, environment, habits, and lifestyle caught up to my 53-year-old dad.
Growing up in the marijuana culture, on numerous occasions, my parents found my stash of weed around the house or hidden in my car. My involvement in the culture, coupled with my perspective from the black community, I can say my dad was a role model. A blue-collar, 30+ years UPS church leader, with a side business, my dad was the most successful colored man I ever personally knew.
As I write this, I cannot recall one black Lawyer, Doctor, Accountant, Judge or any other high-income professional that has influenced me as a role model, or mentor growing up. Now an entrepreneur in the industry it seems a little bit cliche “dad I heard cannabis can help” while the healthcare professionals deliberate on their proposals. In my household growing up, there was one resource in abundance – love.
Now that I’m raising millions for Major Bloom, I also realize love is one of the most crucial ingredients. Regardless of the treatment in the outcome of my dad’s health, I want to take the time to honor him and my mother for laying down the foundation and morals which guide me in becoming a successful entrepreneur.
Love you, Mom and Dad!
