It’s Dangerous to be a Man!

The #1 killer of men is heart disease, which means heart attacks and strokes. Men tend to live sicker and die at much younger ages than women. Men are 25% less likely than women to get  yearly check-ups and be hospitalized  more often for preventable illnesses.  What's up with the men?  One thing I found out is they don't like to go to the doctor.

Here are some of the reasons men don’t go to the doctor:

1. “The doc always want to check my privates,” with good reason men!  If you are 18-40 years of age this is peak time for testicular cancer to develop.  Once a year exam is recommended to screen for testicular cancer.
2. “The doc wants to check my prostate,” That’s right they do!  If you are over 40 years of age and/or have any concerns about your digestive tract, it’s recommended the doctor check for prostate cancer and blood in the stool that you can’t see. 
3. “I feel fine.”  The famous words my uncle used until he had a stroke at age 50 due to high blood pressure.  You often feel fine when your blood pressure is high, your cholesterol level is out the roof, your arteries are clogging with fat and your blood sugar has sky rocketed.  Men these are silent and very deadly over time. 
4. “Going to the doctor is for women,” It’s not just for women; it’s for yourself and taking part in your own health and well-being.  Maybe you have a doctor that is rushing you or you can't connect with, find one you can.  You're more likely to go if you feel good about the doctor you see. 
5. “I feel picked on!”  Maybe you like a 6 pack of beer on the weekends, love red meat, smoke and hate to exercise.  Guess what?  You are not alone and you get to decide what it is you want to do with your habits. 
6. “I just know they will find something wrong with me,” Men, your doctors don’t want to find anything wrong with you, they want to prevent it.  A yearly check-up is meant to stay on top of  good health!  I know my uncle wishes he could go back in time and treat his high blood pressure instead of the damage left by his stroke.

 Men, the risks are known, it’s not a secret.  Get into your doctor every year for your check-up and don’t lose family time because you didn’t.  Ladies your next!!!