Some stereotypes are proven true by studies. An unfortunate one is that men won‘t go to a doctor, even if they have symptoms of a serious medical problem. It’s often up to the SO in their life to get them to have a routine checkup. In fact, 19 percent of men surveyed by the Cleveland Clinic admitted that they only went to stop their wife or other loved one from nagging them.
Why Are Men Reluctant to Seek Medical Care?
Men, especially older men, are often uncomfortable thinking about their own mortality, much less talking about their own health. They are supposed to be strong, and admitting any basic human frailty is often hard to do. Sometimes, not knowing what to expect or fearing the worst will keep them from getting basic screenings. Unfortunately, it may take a medical emergency like a heart attack to get them to take their health seriously.
How To Turn it Around
Getting a reluctant man to the doctor takes a kind of no-nonsense approach. You may have to make an appointment for them. Knowing more about the specifics of men’s health issues can help, too. You might research the rate of certain types of diseases for men their age or determine what health screenings they should have at certain points in their lives. Use guilt if you have to. Remind them how important they are to their family and how horrible it would be to lose them to something preventable.
Learning about procedures for things like colonoscopies or prostate exams may make them feel more empowered and less awkward when it comes actually to get one. For problems like erectile dysfunction, going to a local low T clinic in Pittsburgh may feel more anonymous than their local doctor’s office. They’ll be going to a facility that specializes in a specific medical problem, and they’ll realize they’re not alone in dealing with it. It can be less embarrassing that way, and they won’t have to talk about such issues with the family doctor.
Health awareness should also start at a young age. Make sure to provide an open atmosphere at home where boys and girls alike feel free to discuss health issues and lead by example whenever possible. Educate yourself on health issues, and allow your children to feel comfortable coming to you with any concerns. It’s also good to demonstrate an open relationship with their pediatrician as they’re growing up and encourage them to do the same.
