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June is National Men’s Health Month

The best time to see a doctor is when you’re not sick. At first glance that doesn’t seem to make sense, but experts agree you should see a doctor regularly to prevent serious health problems.

Unfortunately, men don’t seem to understand this. According to a survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, men see physicians about half as often as women; men have half as many diagnostic or preventative screenings as women; and men tend to see physicians only for a problem rather than for routine checkups.

June is National Men’s Health Month, a time to educate men about the importance of preventative healthcare.

James O’Dea, PhD, MBA, Administrative Director of the Department of Psychiatric Services at Backus Hospital, said men often avoid doctor visits due to fear and embarrassment.

“Men have a lack of comfort in addressing health issues, from when we are little boys through adolescence and adulthood, we don’t encourage men to be comfortable with seeking treatment,” Dr. O’Dea said. “The consequences are troubling and alarming, the likelihood of men dying from cardiovascular disease, cancer and diabetes is far higher than it is for women, largely because men don’t seek preventative care and early screenings. This reduces their options in terms of treatment.”

James Foley, MD, a cardiologist at Cardiology Associates in Norwich, said denial of symptoms and not seeking care is a unifying problem men have.

 “They need to take things more seriously and see a doctor sooner,” he said. If disease is found later, there is less time to try and prevent it, by the time symptoms are occurring it can be too late. It is much better to see an internist when you are healthy.”

Dr. O’Dea recommends developing a pattern, seeing your primary care doctor around your birthday or anniversary every year so it is automatic, and therefore developing an ongoing relationship with practitioners.