Real men do get sick. However, their reluctance to seek medical care on a timely basis can take a toll — helping to explain the longevity gap with women outliving men by 5 to 10 years.
If men took better care of themselves, they would lengthen their life spans. Reasons for pushing aside their health needs include not being able to take time away from work duties, inertia, feeling invulnerable and out of control of the situation, or a macho stereotype that believes consulting a doctor is a sign of weakness.
What can men do to improve their health?
For answers, Smart Business turned to Brian Henry, M.D., board-certified internal medicine physician at Saddleback Memorial Medical Center in Laguna Hills, and Frank Marino, M.D., family physician and medical director for the Orange Coast Memorial Medical Center in Fountain Valley.
How serious is the situation?
Research shows too many men stay away from physician visits and health screenings — activities that can spot medical concerns before they become more serious. While women traditionally have a history of doctors’ visits, know the health system and find it less threatening, men too often put their health needs on the back burner. Managers especially spend so much time taking care of their employees that they often forget to take care of themselves.
When do problems arise?
Because of stress levels associated with management — which often translates into poor eating habits, lack of exercise and not enough attention to age-related screenings — serious health problems can occur at any age. Worsening the situation are managers who will cancel appointments because they feel they can’t get away from work and are less likely to take medications as directed.
What steps should be taken?
Because tests and treatments can add years and quality to one’s life, men can no longer avoid health screenings, ignore warning signs and hide emotions. The best time to visit a doctor is when you are well. This allows physicians to assess your overall physical condition through proper tests and screenings and get a baseline to observe future health.
