July 13th, 2021
Does your husband, brother, or father go to the doctor? If you answered “no”, new research that backs up your observation.
AFLAC surveyed 1,000 men aged 18 and up and found 45% hadn’t visited their doctor for a checkup or an annual wellness visit in the last year. What’s more, 75% said they didn’t go to their doctor even if they had symptoms of an illness, and 84% revealed they didn’t seek care, even if they had an injury. Interestingly, 90% of men asked said they felt they were lived a “somewhat” or “very healthy” lifestyle.
Why? Doctors point to several factors. One of the most common is the feeling among men they aren’t “real men” if they see their doctor. In fact, this study shows 6% said going to the doctor made them feel “less masculine”. Researchers believe men learn these ideas from a very early age. Boys and men are taught they shouldn’t talk about what’s going on inside their bodies. Research also shows men feel doctors aren’t available at convenient hours, and cost is a “significant barrier” to health care.
Who can persuade men to get treatment? Almost half of those in the AFLAC survey said their partners were the most persuasive. In fact, women were especially effective at motivating men to get medical attention. So, if you are a wife, a girlfriend, a sister, be proactive and persistent. It might feel like nagging, but evidence shows it works. 42% of men said they went to the doctor after a gentle nudge or two from their mate.
So men, time to man up. Remember, your health affects everyone in your family. Keeping quiet isn’t good medicine. Treating disease and injury before they become major medical issues is well worth it. See a doctor you trust. High blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease don’t have to sneak up on you.
Learn more at: ttps://www.webmd.com/men/news/20210706/men-less-likely-to-see-doctor-study