Are Men Afraid to Get Medical Care?
During the month of June, we commemorate National Men’s Health Week. Are you aware that in the United States women live 4.8 years longer than men (according to the World Economic Forum)? In fact, in every single country of our world, men consistently breathe their last before women do.
So, why is that? One of the reasons may lie in biology: women generally suffer from more diseases that aren’t fatal, such as arthritis, while men are more prone to diseases that can kill, like high blood pressure and heart disease. But beyond basic biology is something that we’re pretty familiar with here at Foot & Ankle Associates of Cleveland: women tend to go to the doctor for preventative care, and men have a lot of excuses for not going. Here are some of their top excuses:
- I’m afraid I’ll get bad news.
Bad news you get at the doctor’s office is better than bad news that you don’t know about, and if you’ve got symptoms, it’s better than living with the anxiety of not knowing what’s wrong. Treating a problem earlier on often makes treatment more successful – and that’s certainly true when it comes to basic foot care. - I don’t have the time.
Working long hours can make it difficult to get to the doctor, but it’s not impossible.Most employers will appreciate that you’re staying healthy by taking time off for a physical. And many doctors have early, late, and weekend appointments - There’s no history of disease in my family.
Doesn’t matter. Plain and simple – not all medical issues are inherited. - I feel fine.
Many diseases don’t have symptoms, even potentially dangerous conditions such as high blood pressure and pre-diabetes. - I’m embarrassed to ask the questions I have.
The corollary to this question is I’m afraid of what the doctor will ask me.What transpires between you and your doctor is private and protected by law. We’re here to help, not judge. - I don’t have a doctor.
It only takes a little research to find a doctor you can trust. Ask your friends and family or use the “find a doctor” tool on your insurance company’s website to get recommendations.
If you’re one those men who’s coming up with excuses like these for not seeking medical care, take a moment to consider the consequences, and just make an appointment. Take particular care of your feet by bringing symptoms such as tingling, numbness, pain, and sores that don’t heal to licensed foot and ankle surgeons Dr. Craig B. Frey and Dr. Megan L. Oltmann. Our number in Solon, Ohio is (440) 903-1041.