Health Insurance Values » HealthLog with Dave Keller

Think you're a tough guy?
Go to the doctor!

Forgive the stereotyping, but this post is for all of the men who scoff at seeing a musical, balk at openly discussing their feelings and know how to maintain their own vehicles. What's the deal? This morning's New York Times article "Patterns: Do real men go to the doctor?" reports that you are half as likely as other men to seek preventative health care.

Taking care of one's self isn't for just for women, children and less burly types. Preventative care helps detect illnesses early on, which ultimately can reduce the need for more expensive treatments and medications — and can even save your life. Likewise, going to your doctor for a physical can help you understand what lifestyle changes can help improve your health and prevent disease. It is in your best interest to have your cholesterol and blood pressure checked amongst other things depending on your age. And you should also discuss the need for STD and HIV screenings.

Of course, preventative care is more than seeing the doctor. It's also about taking care of yourself every day, which means getting exercise, maintaining a health diet and abstaining from tobacco.

Check out the U.S. Centers for Disease Control's checklist for men's health. Look it over and see where you need to focus your attention. Then pick up the phone, and schedule a physical today.