A new survey has found that many men believe they are naturally healthy and don’t need checkups.
They also tend to put others first and seek out medical advice on social media.
However, doctors say these attitudes may be a mistake.
Annual exams are an important way to identify problems before they get out of control.
They also note that it’s important to push through your fears for the sake of yourself and your loved ones.
Most men recognize the need to eat a healthy diet and get plenty of exercise. However, a new survey conducted by The Harris Poll for Orlando Health has found that they may be missing out on another vital piece of the wellness puzzle: seeing their personal physician for regular checkups.
According to the survey, 33 percent of men believe that annual checkups are unnecessary.
In addition, around 65 percent of them hold the belief that they are naturally healthier than their peers.
The survey also found that, while men might not be talking with their doctor, they are seeking out health information on the internet. About two-thirds of them reported getting advice via social media.
Another important finding was that men tended to put the needs of others first, even when it comes to their pets. Around 40 percent of them said they prioritize their dog or cat’s health before their own.
Why annual exams are so important
A professor of urology and director of men’s health at Desai Sethi Urology Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, said even if you think you are healthy and feel fine, it’s important to have an annual physical.
Between the ages of 20 to 55, there is a decline in the number of men visiting their doctor. However, he believes that these are the years when they should be seeking out preventative and wellness care.
Cardiovascular disease and cancer are often the underlying diseases, which can be cured or avoided if we detect them earlier.
There are several conditions — like high blood pressure, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and abnormal blood lipids — that can contribute to a major cardiovascular event that is fatal in up to 30 percent of cases in men.
Also, endocrine disorders, sleep apnea, peripheral vascular disease, cancer, drug and alcohol dependency, depression, and many others can be missed.