Best practical ideas encouraging men to go for a medical-checkup
We’ve all encountered a man who is set in his ways and may not be receptive to advice. They may be particularly resistant when seeking medical attention (if they even have a doctor). This notion was confirmed by a survey conducted by Cleveland Clinic in 2019.
This recent survey was conducted online in the United States and revealed that 72% of men prefer doing household chores like cleaning or mowing the lawn over visiting a doctor. Even when they do see a doctor, 20% of the men surveyed admitted to not being entirely truthful about specific issues. Only half of these men said they would consider getting an annual checkup.
How to encourage men to go for a medical-checkup
When it comes to healthcare, men, and women often have different perspectives. While women are comfortable with routine medical checkups like pap smears and mammograms, men tend to feel uncomfortable with the idea of personal space invasion. They view going to the doctor as a waste of time and inconvenience. However, convincing men to prioritize annual checkups or seek medical attention when they are unwell is possible. Here are some suggestions for encouraging men to prioritize their health by regularly visiting the doctor.
Remove barriers
A key finding from the survey was that making it easy for men to see a doctor is crucial. This can be achieved by finding doctors who offer virtual appointments, scheduling visits outside of work hours, or organizing local health screenings. It’s essential to break down the stigma surrounding seeking medical help, as it can be a matter of life and death for men.
Make it easy
To begin, assist in scheduling an appointment for him. If he already has a preferred doctor, start with them. If not, suggest a trustworthy doctor who would be a good match. When setting the appointment, choose a day and time that works well for him and offer to accompany him if he desires.
Help him be prepared
If your loved one last saw a doctor a while ago, encourage them to create a list of questions they want to ask during their appointment. They should note any unusual symptoms they’ve been experiencing, their medical history, and their family’s medical history. They must be honest with their doctor about their eating, exercise, sleeping habits, and alcohol and smoking consumption. They should consider all factors impacting their health, so their doctor can have the most accurate information.
Tell him why his health is a priority
Many men stick to their routine, prioritizing work above all else. However, it’s essential to convince them of the value of seeing a doctor to maintain good health for themselves and their family. Neglecting health can result in more time away from work and family in the long run. It’s important to remind them that specific health conditions, like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or prostate problems, may not have obvious symptoms but can become serious if left untreated.
Use a common sense approach
Talk with him about the fact that time is of the essence when dealing with a potentially serious illness. Men who delay a visit to the doctor until they experience pain or are already in the advanced stage of a disease, can make treating the condition more challenging and expensive.
What not to do
Encouraging a man to see his doctor is key, but nagging is not the way to go. Instead, try emphasizing that being healthy is attractive and masculine. Avoid speaking for him if he agrees to let you accompany him to the doctor. He must establish relationships with his doctors to build trust and form a strong doctor-patient bond. Your role is to listen and only intervene if any discrepancies need clarification.
Dr. David Samadi is the Director of Men’s Health and Urologic Oncology at St. Francis Hospital in Long Island. He’s a renowned and highly successful board certified Urologic Oncologist Expert and Robotic Surgeon in New York City, regarded as one of the leading prostate surgeons in the U.S., with a vast expertise in prostate cancer treatment and Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy. Visit Dr. Samadi’s websites at robotic oncology and prostate cancer 911.