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Our June 2008 'Ask The Expert' 1. Men typically are more reluctant to seek health care than women for a variety of reasons. They might be feaful of what a physician might say. Many times men may not feel any symptoms and dismiss the thought of seeing a physician by saying, "I feel fine." He may point to lack of or inadequate medical insurance or financial issues as a reason not go schedule an appointment. Of course, many men are uncomfortable when faced with sharing their personal health issues. Some lack of confidence in the health care system. Many men have no established relationship with family doctor. Or he could be just lazy! |
Christopher Lewis, MD |
2. Understanding these reasons and the motivation behind men’s reluctance to seek health care is the first step to overcoming barriers to men seeking health care.
3. Open communication and knowledge sharing are the keys to encouraging greater attention on health.
4. Men are creatures of habit. Efforts to get your man to the doctor should hinge on creating a health care routine.
5. Men are typically at higher risk for many medical conditions, including heart disease, strokes and high blood pressure.
- Heart disease - Men are at twice the risk of developing heart disease compared to women. 25% of all men will be affected by heart disease
- Stroke - Men are 1.25 time the risk compared to women until age 75.
- Suicide - Men are at 4 times the risk in women.
- Lung Cancer - It's is the most lethal cancer in men with 160,390 deaths this year.
- Prostate Cancer - It is the most common male cancer.
6. Preventive care is often overlooked by men, but is one of the central components of healthy living. He'll enjoy a:
- Healthy mind
- Increased energy and productivity
- Better financial health
- An improved appearance
- Better sex - That should convince him!
- A longer life
7. Don't be afraid to negotiate with your man to get him to the doctor or to reward him for his efforts.
8. In most cultures throughout the world, women are the health advocates and health decision-makers in the family. Embrace this role and thrive in it.
9. In speaking with your man about health care, consider using analogies and models that he will understand, such as equating the effort he spends on car maintenance to the effort he should spend on maintaining his health.
10. Consider enrolling your man in a health fair or conference, as many men respond to the informality and camaraderie of such events. Health conferences deliver health information in a non-threatening format, offer the chance for informal interaction with local physicians and camaraderie with other men.
Do you have questions about Speaking to Men About Health? Send a question to Dr. Lewis. He's our June 'Ask The Expert.'
