The Top 5 Reasons Men Avoid Going To The Doctor
The way men avoid seeing us, you would think we doctors are the plague. Whether it's in sickness or health, most men seem to find a way to detour around our offices. Although each guy is different and can come up with a different reason (or excuse), studies show avoidance is the most common, though not the best medicine when it comes to males and health care.
Research from the CDC and the American Academy of Family Practice points to a hodgepodge of reasons. Here are the top five:
- I don't have a doctor. Even though most men have health insurance, 50 percent have never made the choice of one person or group to care for their health care needs. In this case, a spouse, significant other, or a friend might be able to step in and at least help schedule a "get to know" visit or set something simple like a flu shot.
- There's nothing wrong. Well, maybe not to the naked eye. But things like high blood pressure and high cholesterol are just a couple of silent killers that truly are silent until they've caused some hefty damage. More than half of men at age 40 have no idea what their cholesterol level or blood pressure is. Don't stick your head in the sand.
- I don't have time. Sure, I can see that one. You've got some TV to catch up on, some golf to play, or a garage that needs straightening. But think about it. There are 8,760 hours in a year -- surely you can spare one of those hours to get a quick going over. And these days, you can even make an appointment online, or with your smartphone.
- I have finger-phobia. True, no one like fingers or other instruments being stuck into the recesses of their bodies. But guys, that's life. You should be thankful you don't need pap smears or deliver babies. Women do those things. That's why, to doctors, they are the true stronger sex. So man-up.
- I can tough it out. Ah, the cultural American mindset of being a "man." The studies showed many men just think they can ride anything out. After all, it's only a flesh wound. But sometimes a little bit of medication, or medical care, or for that matter -- preventive care -- can go miles to help keep you putting miles on your body. Going to the doctor isn't a sign of weakness. Heck, we can even talk sports or something while you're fidgeting on the exam table.
Bottom line is that we'd like you to live a long time and have a healthy life. More importantly, so does your family. If you don't want to do it for yourself, do it for them.
Hopefully, see you soon. (And if you're good, we'll even give you a nice little sticker to wear home on your shirt.)
Dr. Dave Hnida is CBS4's Medical Editor. He blogs about the latest studies and trends in the health world. Read his latest blog entries, check out his bio or follow him on Twitter @drdavehnida
