What men fear, believe, and avoid

A survey sponsored by Men's Health magazine and CNN reveals what men say and do when it comes to their physical well-being:

• Men are more afraid of going broke than dying
  
  
• They expect to live longer than their statistical life expectancy
  
  
• Many men do not exercise at all
  
  
• Most surprisingly, many would not see a doctor if they experienced chest pains

A 1990 American Medical Association study found that men don't go to the doctor because of fear, denial, embarrassment, and threatened masculinity. And this attitude cuts across all levels of occupation, age, race, or economic status.

It's a guy thing — top male health risks

• Before age 65, men suffer 2.5 times more heart attacks than women
  
  
• By age 65, one in three men suffers from high blood pressure, a primary risk for heart attacks
  
  
• One in nine men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer, yet few will have the simple, painless exam and blood test that detect it
  
  
• Men are 30 percent more likely than women to have a stroke, and one out of three male strokes happen before age 65
  
  
• An estimated three million men have early Type II diabetes — a disease with major complications — but don't know it
  
  
• Men are more overweight compared to women — and weight is linked to heart disease, type II diabetes, some cancers, and sleep disorders

Don't put it off, men!

Aside from annual preventive physicals, contact your doctor if you have any of the following symptoms:

• Blood in stool, urine, or semen
  
  
• Sores that don't heal
  
  
• Persistent cough
  
  
• Change in bowel or urination patterns
  
  
• Chest pain
  
  
• Unexplained weight loss or gain
  
  

These could be warning signs that something serious is wrong and should not wait until "tomorrow."

Real men get check ups

If you can't remember when you had your last physical...brother, it's time to get one.

But just showing up for your check-up isn't enough. You need to take full advantage of your time with your doctor. It's normal to feel uncomfortable talking about personal health issues, but straight talk is important. Keep the following tips in mind:

• Seek help now rather than later - Quick action can save you stress and money, and may ultimately save your life
  
  
• Your doctor's heard it all before - The doctor's not there to judge you, and remember: your doc's human and must visit the doctor occasionally, too
  
  
• Make and take a list - Write down the key features of any health problems before your exam, including signs, symptoms, and worries — and take the list with you
  
  
• Don't omit or sugarcoat the truth - Own up to personal habits that may affect your health like smoking, the amount of alcohol you drink, sexual activity, etc.
  
  

Bottom line:

Even though men are more likely than woman to suffer heart attacks, strokes, and high blood pressure, many guys postpone medical check ups. Full, honest engagement with your doctor will increase your odds for an accurate diagnosis so you can get the best treatment.

Additional resources:

American Medical News: Tips for a healthy life for men

Centers for Disease Control (CDC): Who needs a tetanus vaccine?

Mayo Clinic Men's Health Center: Tips for how to reduce your tetanus risk

WebMD® Men's Health Center