There’s a common perception that men hate going to the doctor and won’t go even when they aren’t feeling well. The theory has persisted for decades and is often the subject of banter and joking within families, but is the perception that men avoid medical health care actually true?
Unfortunately, an online survey among men ages 18 and older found that 72 percent of men would rather do household chores like mowing the yard or doing laundry than go to the doctor. Even for those men who take their health more seriously the survey showed that 20% of men admit to not being completely honest with their doctor about their medical health care concerns. Men’s Health Week is an initiative that brings awareness to men’s health and encourages them to make the medical health care appointments they may be putting off.
The Importance of Medical Health Care and preventative Awareness for Men
These statistics are alarming, as research shows that proactive medical health care, including accessing preventative services, is the key to living a long and healthy life. It is also an important component in keeping healthcare costs affordable. So, with this well-known information, why don’t more men access preventative care services? Here are some of the common reasons why:
- Men will typically put work first and refuse to take off to visit the doctor. In the survey referenced earlier 61% of men said they would go for preventative care more often if they could access healthcare during non-traditional hours.
- Men struggle with talking to healthcare professionals. They are more conditioned to stay quiet regarding health issues which could be putting their lives at risk.
- Men don’t want to change their lifestyle due to health issues or hear that anything is wrong with their health.
Some men have the misconception that if they seem healthy, they don’t need to visit a doctor. But getting regular checkups and health screenings can catch many diseases in the early stages or before they develop.
Generally speaking, men in their 20’s and 30’s have fewer health issues than older men. Building healthy habits when you’re young can help you decrease your odds of developing health problems when you get older. Even if you don’t have any known health concerns, it’s still a good idea to visit a doctor for regular checkups.
Preventative Screenings in Medical Health Care for Men
In order to stay healthy, men need to be proactive and engaging in medical health care and preventative actions. Preventative screenings that men need to stay healthy include:
- Height and weight/Body Mass Index (BMI) screenings
- Blood Pressure checks
- Cholesterol screenings
- Colorectal Cancer screenings
- Prostate Cancer screenings
- Age specific immunizations
- Eye exams
- Dental checkups
These preventative measures require seeing a physician on at least an annual basis, and sometimes even more often to monitor specific health conditions. The best way for men to maintain good preventative health is to establish a relationship with a primary care provider that they can trust and communicate openly with. UHSM offers access to a vast network of providers who specialize in preventative care and medical health care services.
Additional Ways for Men to Stay Healthy
While genetics play a role in overall health, taking charge of your medical health care can significantly reduce the risk of developing serious conditions. External factors impact health and happiness, but adopting healthy habits can improve quality of life and longevity.
In addition to preventative health screenings consider these simple tips to help you live a happier and longer life:
- Eating a diet rich in fruits, veggies and lean meats
- Exercise for at least 30 minutes a day
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Don’t smoke or chew tobacco
- Limit consumption of alcoholic beverages
- Limit stress and use coping methods such as meditation or counseling
UHSM’s Commitment to Medical Health Care
UHSM simplifies access to preventative and ongoing medical health care. Members can take advantage of:
- The PHCS® PPO Network: The nation’s largest independent network with over 1.2 million doctors, hospitals, and specialists.
- Telehealth Services: Accessible seven days a week, offering board-certified consultations with quick response times. Telehealth providers can even prescribe medication or order lab tests if needed.
- Pharmacy Access: Discounted pricing at over 68,000 retail locations nationwide, including CVS, Walmart, and Walgreens.
By prioritizing medical health care, UHSM ensures members have the resources they need to live healthier lives.
Men’s Health Week
Men’s Health Week takes place from June 13–19, 2022, emphasizing the importance of making healthy lifestyle choices, scheduling regular checkups, and opening conversations about health.
This week, show your support by participating in Wear BLUE Day, sponsored by Men’s Health Network, to spread awareness about men’s health. Choose a day to wear blue and inspire others to prioritize their well-being and preventative medical health care.
Read more about Wear BLUE here.
This is a reminder to schedule your yearly wellness screenings and make preventative medical health care a priority. Find a provider in our network.
Take Charge of Your Medical Health Care
Don’t wait—schedule your yearly wellness screenings today. Prioritizing preventative health is a crucial step toward improving your overall well-being. If you need help finding a provider or have questions about accessing medical health care services, visit our website or contact us to get started on your path to better health.
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