Men Out of Touch With The Health Care System

A recent Louis Harris survey* found that:

25% of the men surveyed had avoided doctors in the prior year.

33% didn't have a regular doctor.

25% would "wait as long as possible before seeking medical aid."

60% of those over 50 had not been screened for colon cancer in the previous year.

40% had not been screened for prostate cancer.

Over 30% had not been screened for either disease or for high cholesterol in the previous 5 years.

And all this is for medical attention for presumed health problems. How about taking steps to improve his health? Some suggestions on how to get the man in your life to do something positive for his health:

Make him an appointment for checkups.

Don't forget to include evaluations for his nervous system, muscular system and skeletal system.

Prepare a list of health concerns to discuss with the doctor.

Find a doctor who will work with him to develop healthy habits.

Go with him for his examination.

Give him a checkup as a gift.

Show him how lifestyle affects health and then work on it together.

The Bottom Line

The survey above, reported in Parade Magazine on 6/9/02, tells us what we have been experiencing for years in our office…that women tend to make the health care decisions for their family. And, it's good that they do. We're here to work with you to make your family's good health a family affair. We welcome and strongly recommend spouses attend new patient exams, reports, consultations and new patient orientations.