Episode 016: State of Men's Health

Men are dying in silence. Not because help isn't available—but because we're not showing up. In this episode of The Faith Network Podcast, we're having an honest conversation about the state of men's health in Arkansas. The numbers are sobering: 16% of men in our state don't have a healthcare provider. One in four men won't see a doctor this year. And 75% of Arkansas men are considered overweight. We sit down with three voices bringing different perspectives to the same urgent issue: Dr. Austin Porter – State Epidemiologist and Chief Science Officer at the Arkansas Department of Health, and Associate Professor at UAMS College of Public Health – brings the data and the science. Rev. Johnnie Smith – Senior Pastor of Shiloh Baptist Church in Pine Bluff – speaks to the pastoral and spiritual dimensions of caring for our bodies. Kelvin Parker – Founder and Executive Director of GOAT (Giving Others Ambition Together) – addresses how we're shaping the next generation of young men in Central Arkansas. Together, we unpack: Why men avoid the doctor (hint: time, cost, and fear of medication) The alarming stats on prostate cancer screening, high blood pressure, and cholesterol How the church and community organizations can help shift the culture What it looks like to steward your health as an act of faith If you're a man listening—or you love one—this episode is for you.