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 Mens Health
By: Jennifer Foss, RN
(ARA) - Ever wonder why women
live longer than men? It may be more than just genetics. It seems
that men are behind when it comes to responsibility for their
own health. In fact, many men may depend on the women in their
lives to help look out for their health.
Researchers at the University
of Chicago found that when a wife works at a job more than 40
hours a week, her husband's chance of being in good or excellent
health declines by more than 25 percent. So what can men do to
take control of their own health? Here are some simple suggestions.
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Get Comfortable
It's no wonder women may feel
more comfortable visiting the doctor. Besides their own exams,
many women also accompany their children and husbands to the
doctor. Men, on the other hand, may cringe at the thought of
a tongue depressor or cower at the mere mention of a paper robe.
If a man is uncomfortable going to the doctor, he may be less
likely to ask questions, point out symptoms or push for tests.
According to a survey sponsored by Men's Health magazine and
CNN, 25 percent of men said they even lie to their doctors, because
they are afraid the doctors will get mad, they fear bad news
or they're just embarrassed.
If you're an apprehensive male
patient, it's important to find a physician with whom you can
feel at ease and trust. Ask your male friends and relatives for
recommendations. Then, before your appointment, write a list
of questions so you won't forget to ask the doctor anything important. |
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Read Up
A man is more likely to recognize
health problems and symptoms if he knows what they are; but as
studies show, men don't seek out health issues.
It's important that men learn
the signs and symptoms of common male health problems.
- Learn the signs of heart disease.
- Find out what a healthy blood
pressure reading is and what your cholesterol levels should be.
- Read up on the symptoms of
testicular cancer, impotence and other conditions.
- Most diseases have risk factors
and recommended screening guidelines. Find - out how often you
should be screened for prostate cancer and colon cancer.
- Compile a family health history,
so you're aware of your genetic risks for certain diseases.
Shake the Stereotypes
From an early age, our culture
tells little boys that "boys don't cry" and "take
it like a man." So, it shouldn't be surprising that grown
men aren't as willing to talk about sensitive health problems.
A man is not weak because he follows a healthful diet, takes
vitamins, adopts an exercise program or gets yearly physicals.
Men must shake the stereotypes to take control of their health. |
