Between Father’s Day and Men’s Health month , June is definitely all about the guys. There’s no better time to encourage the men in your life to make their health a priority. If there’s one thing men have in common, it’s their universal reluctance to go to the doctor. Studies show that women are much more likely than men are to visit the doctor for annual exams and preventive services such as screenings. That means preventable and treatable conditions can go undiagnosed in men for longer periods of time. Early diagnosis leads to faster treatment and more positive results.

No Excuses

Men have many reasons why they won’t see a doctor. Maybe you’ve heard some of these:

• I’m healthy, so there’s no reason to go.
• I’d rather tough out the aches and pains.
• I don’t have time.
• I don’t have a doctor.

Just like us, men should visit their doctor once a year for an exam that includes blood pressure and cholesterol checks. Age-appropriate screenings, opens new tab are important, too, and a way to identify potential health issues before they become life threatening . They’re also easy on the wallet.

Make Your Move

Getting the men in your life to make — and keep — a doctor’s appointment might be easier said than done, but we have a few tricks. Remind your dad, son, brother, boyfriend or friend that while he may be healthy right now, the only way to stay that way is to be proactive. Prevention, combined with exercise and healthy eating, is so important. Remind him his health is just as important as yours is, and you want him around for a long time.

If your guy doesn’t have a doctor, don’t let that be a barrier. Call
North Kansas City Hospital’s Physician Referral Line at 816.221.HEAL (4325) or browse our Find a Doctor, opens new tab tool.

Or, bring your guy to one of our upcoming Community Health Fairs, opens new tab. NKCH’s free health fairs are a convenient way to get a quick check up. We’ll perform a fasting lipid blood test (total cholesterol, HDL, LDL and triglycerides) and check his blood pressure. He can chat one-on-one with one of our Meritas Health, opens new tab doctors, who will review his results and answers his health-related questions.