Men Could Do Better When It Comes to Managing Their Health

American men aren't passing muster when it comes to taking care of themselves. They skip health screenings and sometimes avoid a visit to the doctor altogether. And they might not be as healthy as they say they are, according to the findings of a new survey conducted for the AAFP by Harris Interactive. Survey results were released June 19 during Men's Health Month.

Among the 1,111 men ages 18 and older who were surveyed, 79 percent describe themselves as being in excellent, very good or good health.

But 42 percent say they have been diagnosed with at least one of these chronic conditions: high blood pressure, heart disease, arthritis, cancer or diabetes. Almost one in five men 55 years and older have never received the recommended screening for colon cancer. According to the survey, each week, men spend an average of about 19 hours watching television and more than four hours watching sports. In addition, men who use computers spend an average of 23 hours a week at that sedentary task. But only 38 percent of men say they work out regularly. And the CDC estimates that 71 percent of men are overweight.

More than half of men have not seen their primary care physicians for a physical exam within the past year, according to the survey. Why? Thirty-six percent put off seeing the doctor until they're extremely sick. But 23 percent say they're healthy and have no reason to make an appointment.

"Many men don't fully appreciate the value of preventive health care services" and don't think about making an appointment for these services, says AAFP President Rick Kellerman, M.D., of Wichita, Kan., about the survey results.

What's a doctor to do? For one thing, enlist help. "A spouse or significant other who encourages men to get appropriate health care really has a positive impact," Kellerman says. More than 78 percent of the surveyed men who have a spouse or significant other say that individual has some influence over their decision to go to the doctor.

When a man comes in for an appointment, be sure to recommend appropriate preventive services. About one-third of surveyed men say they always follow their doctor's advice, while half say they follow the advice 75 percent of the time.