Men's Health

A lot of men do not really take time out to talk about their health.  In fact, many men refrain from going to the doctor.  It is either they do not feel comfortable talking about their health problems or they think they do not feel unwell enough to have to see a doctor.  Men sometimes wait until there is a serious health problem before visiting a doctor.

It is a statistical reality that women outlive men.  In the developed countries, the average female life expectancy is about 79 years and about 72 years for the male.  Why is this so?

It is easier to get women to see a doctor because they often assume the role of caretaker.  Doctors, insurance companies and even media encourage women to have annual check-ups and routine Pap smear tests when they reach childbearing years.  Men tend not to get the same attention.  It probably also has to do with heredity and male sex hormones.  Men are likely to accumulate fat around the abdomen which put them at risk to heart disorder, diabetes, cancer and stroke.  Smoking, drinking, using drugs and engaging in casual sex also subject men to certain health hazards.

It is important for men to make preventive visits to the doctor.  Each visit gives men an opportunity to talk with the doctor about health behaviors and about life in general.