June 10 – 16 is International Men’s Health Week – a perfect time to commit to seeing a physician or healthcare provider. Men's tendency to avoid healthcare can be harmful in the long run. By neglecting primary care visits, many men are missing the chance to find and deal with health problems in the early stages when many conditions are more treatable and less threatening to overall health.

Men tend to seek healthcare only when there is a crisis. They may see themselves as strong and healthy enough to skip checkups and recommended screenings.

Some experts say this is a learned behavior. Many men are raised to act tough and independent. They may start to see themselves as protected from disease. They also may fear that others will think their healthcare visits are unmanly or weak. This is especially so if the men around them also don't get preventive healthcare.

“Your health deserves personalized attention with consistent, comprehensive, coordinated care,” said Julia M. Fiorentino, M.D., of Aultman Medical Group North Canton Medical Center Internal Medicine. “As your primary care physician, my goal is to help you live your very best life.”

A New Attitude

The leading causes of death for U.S. men are heart disease, cancer (colorectal, testicular, prostate and lung), stroke, lung disease, accidents and diabetes. The risk of developing these conditions can be lowered with a healthy lifestyle, healthy diet, regular exercise and regular healthcare.

Many conditions such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol are silent illnesses. They don't cause symptoms that may lead to a visit with a physician or healthcare provider. Routine checkups and screenings are important for finding hidden problems and staying healthy.

For partners, if the man you care about does not get preventive medical visits, keep encouraging him to put his health first. A spouse or other loved one can influence a man's decision to see a physician or healthcare provider.

For men, when tempted to delay a medical visit, think about your value as a loving member of the family, provider and role model. Taking care of yourself helps you to take care of those who mean the most to you.

Aultman Medical Group Primary Care has dozens of physicians and providers across the region, in your community, who are accepting new patients. Visit aultman.org/NewDoc or call our new patient hotline at 330-433-1264.

Sources:
Aultman Health System
The StayWell Company, LLC