If you ask a man to see a physician for a regular check-up or to address a nagging condition, statistics say he will probably resist the idea.
Putting off dealing with health-related issues is more common among men than women, yet statistically men are more likely than women to experience serious health issues such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, prostate cancer, and depression.
Not surprising, citing the above, men also often have shorter life expectancies.
June marks Men’s Health Month to provide perspective and motivation to combat these trends.
Instead of placing work, family, and everyday responsibilities above their own health, men are encouraged to prioritize their well-being today to launch a life-changing impact on their future.
Why care about health
The same reasons men put off their health can be the same reasons men should reconsider the importance of tackling health issues: Family, friends, work and responsibilities.
The engrained reasons for avoiding the doctor
According to Dr. Asif Naseem, men avoid the doctor for five engrained psychological reasons, including:
- The desire to be “strong”
- Belief they can fix it, or it will go away on its own
- Feeling it’s a waste of time and money – for the doctor and the patient
- Being “too busy”
- Shame or embarrassment
The consequences
If this sounds like you, this month is an opportunity to take a step back and reconsider the benefits from taking a more proactive approach to getting medical care.
- Avoidance now can turn into something unavoidable – putting off serious warning signs can only lead to something more serious or life-threatening down the road.
- Short-term versus long-term pain – what could be a few days of discomfort could turn into months or years of it.
- Downturn in quality of life – “Sucking it up” and saying “I’ll be fine” can lead to stress and fatigue.
- Rise in cost – The more serious the illness, the more money it takes to treat it.
Top health issues in men
- Heart Disease
- Cancer
- Mental Health
- Diabetes
- Weight Gain and Low Testosterone
More than just awareness – it’s a call to action
You don’t need to make drastic changes overnight. Start with simple steps:
- Schedule a consultation
- Learn about your options
- Set one achievable goal
Where to start
Hometown is here for you to help you gain traction for a healthier lifestyle in all aspects of life. As Ohio’s largest urgent care company, there are clinics available for affordable, convenient, and fast care for injuries and illnesses.
Contact Hometown Primary Care to connect with a dedicated primary care physician. Same-week appointments are available, unlike the national average of 26 days. Find a location near you.
Men looking for a weight-loss program or tackling low testosterone issues, Vibrance by Hometown offer customized programs to help men gain traction needed for a healthier lifestyle.