Women: How To Talk To Men About Their Health
Duncan Profitt and his son, Dane, play basketball at Mohegan Park in Norwich. |
Men have been known to make some of the major decisions in households – but not when it comes to healthcare.
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.
Women are often the ones encouraging their boyfriends or husbands to visit a doctor, because they are more concerned about their own health.
James O’Dea, PhD, MBA, Administrative Director of the Department of Psychiatric Services at Backus Hospital, said men can be stubborn when it comes to seeing a doctor.
“Men’s health is very much a women’s issue, because long-term health issues affect the whole family,” Dr. O’Dea said. “We encourage men to make appointments as a longitudinal strategy at some point you are likely to have healthcare problems. It is better to set up a relationship ahead of time, so when you have a problem you have someone to go and talk to.”
He said women should talk to the men in their lives about the importance of regular check-ups and screenings, especially if there is a family history of certain illnesses.
If some men are especially recalcitrant, women can go ahead and set up the appointment and then tell them about it.
“This is not the initial approach to take, but if you find yourself discussing it over and over again without anything happening, it is an option worth considering,” Dr. O’Dea said. “Most men will keep that appointment you make, and once they get over the initial hump, they will establish rapport and a relationship with their doctor.”
Because of societal expectations, men often won’t ask for help, so it is better to talk to them and encourage them to start right away.
“If you are blessed with good health, go anyway. It is better to have a history of your health,” Dr. O’Dea said. “The likelihood of identifying health problems goes up immeasurably if you are seeing a doctor regularly. Then problems can be treated earlier and hopefully, be prevented.”