Men are missing the mark when it comes to managing their personal health. As a result, they are missing opportunities to find and deal with medical problems in their early stages. This is when many conditions are more treatable and less threatening to overall health.

What are they thinking?

Men’s tendency to seek health care services only in “crisis” situations — and to see themselves as strong and healthy enough to skip checkups and recommended screenings — is no surprise to psychologists. Numerous studies have concluded that men of all ages are less likely than women to seek help for problems. This includes physical and emotional health issues. Some experts say this is a learned behavior. Many men are raised to act tough and independent, so they stay in control and hide their vulnerability. Therefore, they come to view themselves as protected from disease. Men also may fear that others will interpret their nonemergency health care provider’s visits as unmanly or weak. This is especially so if the men around them also avoid preventive medical care.

Screenings men can’t live without

The U.S. Preventive Service Task Force and other medical organizations encourage men to go through regular health screenings to find serious health problems early. Men should ask their health care provider about tests for the following:

• High cholesterol. Beginning at age 35, men should get their cholesterol checked regularly — at least every 5 years. Men younger than age 35 could benefit from cholesterol testing if they smoke, have high blood pressure or diabetes, or have a family history of heart disease.
• High blood pressure. All men should get their blood pressure checked at least every 2 years, or more often if recommended by a health care provider.
• Diabetes. Men should schedule a blood glucose test for diabetes if they have raised cholesterol or high blood pressure. They should also have this test if they notice signs of diabetes, like frequent thirst and urination, extreme tiredness, and blurred vision. Healthy men should get screened every 3 years, starting at age 50.
• Colorectal cancer. Screenings should begin at age 50, or earlier if there is a personal or family history of colorectal polyps or a family history of colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer screening can be done either with an annual fecal occult blood testing or colonoscopy every 10 years.
• Speak with your health care provider about the right method of screening for you. The age at which you begin screening depends on several things, including family history and your ethnic group. You and your health care provider will decide which screening method (physical exam or blood test), if any, is best for your situation.

Time for a new attitude

Cardiovascular disease, lung cancer, stroke, and diabetes are among the leading causes of death for American men. The risk of developing these conditions can be reduced with a combination of a healthy lifestyle and regular medical care. Many disorders, like high blood pressure and high cholesterol, are “silent” illnesses. They do not cause telltale symptoms that may lead to a health care provider’s visit. Routine checkups and screenings are critical for detecting hidden problems and staying healthy.

Tips for partners

If the man you care about avoids preventive medical visits, don’t give up on encouraging him to put his health first. A spouse or significant other can influence a man’s decision to see the health care provider.

For men, it’s time to consider showing strength, wisdom, and leadership in a new way. When tempted to delay a medical visit, think about your value as a provider and role model. Taking care of yourself enables you to take care of those who mean the most to you.

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