A lot of men look after their cars better than their own bodies. Why is it that many of us will respond to a warning light on the dashboard, but ignore the signs something isn’t right with our health? Our cars are also treated to routine services every 10,000 km’s and yet we’re reluctant to have a routine check up at the doctor! Women go for twice as many preventative check-ups than men. Research has shown two thirds of men wouldn’t even get a check-up if they had chest pains or shortness of breath, two key symptoms of heart attack (1). Where has this mentality developed?

As little boys, we are told not to cry, not to complain and not to show any signs of weakness. Men in their 20’s ignore aches and pains, keep playing sport when injured and see a trip to the doctor as a waste of money and time. Men in their 30’s are busy with their careers and prioritise family wellbeing over their own health. Men in their 40’s don’t go to the doctor because they are afraid of what they will find out.

This has to stop! Times are changing and we need to change with it. If you have any of these symptoms:

• Changes in bowel or bladder habits

• Erectile dysfunction

• Persistent backaches

• Changes in colour of urine or stools

• Unusual lumps, or changes in warts or moles

• Recurrent chest pains or headaches

• Bleeding that won’t stop

• Persistent cough

• Unexplained weight loss

• Extreme fatigue

• Acting overly anxious

• Having trouble sleeping

• Feeling down, empty or helpless

• Losing interest in hobbies, including sex

• Any other abnormalities that are concerning you

 

Then book a ‘service’ with your ‘mechanic’. The time to visit the doctor isn’t when you’re on your last strings but actually when you are feeling healthy. If the health professionals say “everything is fine”, it’s a good investment, but if they find something wrong, an early diagnosis could be priceless.

 

You can use our ‘Service Log Book’ resource to prompt you to have regular ‘services’. It’s also a great tool to keep you aware of changes to your ‘mechanics’ over a period of time. Your usage of the site and all the data entered may potentially be used for research which in the long term will benefit both yourself and others.

 

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References

(1) Brott, A. (n.d.) Blueprint for men’s health: A guide to a healthy lifestyle (2nd ed.) Washington, DC: Men’s Health Network.