Sometimes it seems that well-intentioned advice given to men is merely wasted effort. No matter how many times a man hears “Make an appointment for your regular physical checkup,” he doesn't pick up the phone.
You know prevention and early diagnosis greatly improve a man’s chances of living a long, healthy life. But statistics show that American men visit a healthcare provider 150 million fewer times than women do each year. When men do seek healthcare, it’s often an emergency room visit because of a work injury (where they’re required to have it taken care of) or for treatment of a severely painful or debilitating injury received during a recreational activity.
Why Don’t They Go?
From preschool on, little boys are taught to be tough. Superheroes can take a bullet and keep on fighting. The strong survive. Somewhere along the way, some men have forgotten that it’s okay to ask for help.
Embarrassment about their bodies or a “problem” could keep some men from seeking medical help. Others might be paralyzed by fear of the unknown. Or, it might be as simple as lack of knowledge.
Naturally, you’re concerned about the health of the man you love. Encourage him to adopt a healthy lifestyle and seek appropriate medical exams, but don’t nag. If he feels pushed, he might never take care of himself. Instead, appeal to his logic.
When a man takes care of his health, he:
- Can work harder and/or longer
- Has greater sex appeal when fit and healthy
- Increases his stamina because of fitness
- Delays the aging process
- Models good behavior for his children
If being healthy for his own sake isn’t sufficient, perhaps he’ll be motivated by a provider instinct. When a man takes care of himself, he’s taking care of his family.
Something You Can Do
You can’t make your man take care of himself. But there are a few things you can do to encourage a healthy lifestyle:
- If you’re the main cook for the household, gradually work your way toward healthier meals.
- Exercise regularly, and occasionally invite him to join you.
- Provide healthful snacks.
- Offer to perform regular self-exams on him, for example skin cancer or testicular cancer.
- Plan active vacations – for example, water skiing, backpacking, or bicycling trips.
- What motivates him? What does he enjoy? Offer to “reward” him if he makes an appointment for a regular exam.
- Is he a reader? Subscribe to a men’s health magazine.
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