Medical Tests Your Man Needs, Once You Get Him to Go for a Checkup

Denial is often a man's way of dealing with a worrisome health concern. Blinded by false optimism and mixed with a good dose of stupidity, by the time some men get to the doctor they have a serious health problem that could have been easily treated earlier.

Fewer than half of all men see a doctor once a year.

Women, on the other hand, are used to going to the doctor and being prodded and poked, especially once they start producing babies. Most women have yearly Pap smears, mammograms, fertility and birth control consultations. Even as a woman ages, she still sees her doctor regularly.

Men get checkups when their wives insist. As a result married men live longer than single, divorced and widowed men.

Women are brave, smart and responsible. Besides taking care of themselves, women take care of their children's health. Unfortunately they usually have to do the same for their husbands or the men in their life, since most men avoid doctors and check-ups until some woman forces them to go. There are several reasons why this happens.

Reasons why men say they do not need a checkup

* I feel fine....there's nothing wrong with me.

* This little cough I have is going away.

* I don't have time...I have to work.

* I can't afford a checkup and I don't have a doctor.

* I let myself go. I smoke and gained weight. I know this already, and I don't need to pay

someone to tell me.

* It feels awkward and I am embarrassed.

* I don't want a scope up there.

* I'm scared.

* All of the above.

Many troublesome health conditions if detected early can be treated before they become serious problems.

Men's Health Checkup List Recommended by the American Medical Association .

Men 20-29 Years

* Blood pressure screening

* Complete physical at least twice in your twenties. This includes blood tests for cholesterol, blood sugar, urine tests, and examination for sexually transmitted diseases, and testicular cancer.

Men 30-49 Years

* Blood Pressure screening

* Complete physical and tests as described above

* Fecal occult blood

* PSA for prostate cancer

Men 50 and older

* Blood Pressure screening

* Complete Physical and tests as described above

* Fecal occult blood

* PSA for prostate cancer

* Colon cancer screening...colonoscopy

* Over age 65, especially smokers or former smokers...abdominal and carotid artery aneurysm screening.

All Ages

* Immunizations...flu shots, tetanus, pneumonia and hepatitis B shot as recommended

* Vision exam... especially for glaucoma

* Dental exam

* Hearing...especially if you are or have been exposed to loud noises

* Depression and anxiety concerns.

* Sexually transmitted disease....discuss with the doctor

* Drug use...recreational or over the counter (OTC)...discuss with the doctor

* Smoking and alcohol use...discuss with the doctor

Make the most of your Medical Checkup

Be prepared. If you have any questions, write them down. Don't be afraid to speak up if you don't understand anything. Bring someone with you if you wish. Make the most of your visit. You will be glad you did. It's not really that bad.

Sources:

http://www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/WSIHW000/29785/35302/29785/35302/290229.html?d=d...

Men's Checkup 101...by Michael Castleman

Personal experience