It is one of the most important elements in a healthy lifestyle. No sweat or pain, no significant time investment, no membership or purchase of expensive equipment. Despite this, men are still very worried and try their best to avoid this situation, although the unhealthy choices they make increase the risk for men.

What can be so dangerous that prompts the most masculine people to avoid it at almost all costs? How about the annual physical examination?

Although it represents the basis of healthy behaviors, routine doctor visits are not so common for many men. The “why” behind this behavior is well documented, although there is no good reason. The answer, like many behavior-based challenges in medicine, seems to lie between the stereotype of masculinity and changes in cultural norms.

Yes, although some men may think that they are a less emotional and more rational gender, when it comes to the simple act of making appointments with a doctor, men behave exactly the opposite.

Deep-rooted attitude

In a survey Cleveland Clinic, Only 50% of men said they consider annual physical examinations as a routine part of taking care of themselves. To make matters worse, even among men who value health more, researchers found that 20% admitted that they were not completely honest with their doctors.

This American Academy of Family Physicians It was found that 55% of the men surveyed had not seen a doctor for a physical examination in the previous year, although 40% of them had at least one chronic disease. Nearly one-fifth of men aged 55 and older said they have never been screened for colon cancer, and nearly 30% said they “wait as much as possible” for medical treatment when they feel unwell or painful.

Why are you reluctant?

An online survey Orlando Health The hospital system has discovered that there are several reasons why men are reluctant to see a doctor for an annual check-up. They include: too busy and no time to go (22%), afraid to find out what may be wrong (21%), undergoing prostate, rectal or other uncomfortable examinations (18%), answering personal questions (8%), and Weigh (7%), do not want to be naked under a robe (7%), the examination room is cold (4%), and others (9%).

really? Obviously, although men may claim to care about their health, if it is not for themselves but for others in their lives, the evidence proves that this is not the case. Reason is lame.

Cases of annual physical examination

according to Duke University Health System, The annual physical examination creates a health baseline and strengthens the doctor-patient relationship, which is very important for maximizing health. They suggest that face-to-face health visits can help you connect with your doctor before the onset of serious illness, build trust, and share your healthcare preferences. This is also an opportunity to discuss important health issues, such as disease screening and lifestyle changes tailored to you. The best way for you to get comprehensive, personal care is to let your doctor know about your various health levels.

Mount Sinai Medical Center In other words, when you have regular physical examinations, the chances of discovering any health problems are much greater than when you find them at home. Doctors are trained to observe symptoms and understand the causes of these symptoms, so early detection can provide you with a better chance to overcome health problems or diseases, because it is discovered at an early stage. Early detection can also greatly reduce medical costs. Whether you pay for medical expenses at your own expense or have a good insurance package, the cost of prevention and early detection is much lower than the cost of treating diseases or any type of major health problems.

Inspire the unmotivated

Research from Frontiers of Psychology Acknowledging that motivating people not to participate in healthy behaviors is a major challenge. They believe that effective strategies to promote behavior change among so-called “motivated individuals” are relatively scarce.

However, the researchers believe that there are viable methods. For example, by paying attention to your values—the things that are most important to you, what you want most in life, and coordinating how your behavior fits your goals and values—you can help inspire behavior change power. Examining the differences between your ideal living conditions and actual conditions may trigger a desire to re-adjust your daily behaviors to make them more consistent with deep-rooted, positive beliefs.

Can we buy a way to health?

Other research focuses on behavioral economics, which uses economic incentives to stimulate healthy behavior. We see this in the COVID-19 vaccine today, but this strategy has been used for several years.

Many health insurance companies have launched membership incentive programs that provide cash payments or other forms of value related to medical visits or other health behaviors (such as health club membership). For insurance companies, these payments are an investment that reduces the risk of insuring more serious and expensive health outcomes. In the absence of incentives, members may eventually continue these behaviors, which is also a bet.

Critics of behavioral economics believe that the key to maintaining behavior change is the internalization of behavior and finding value beyond monetary incentives, which they view as restricted short-term changes.

Become rational

In my book, I discussed the Neanderthal culture that still exists among men. To this day, it is often quoted when people are asked about their aversion to annual medical examinations. Men still believe that they should not get sick easily and seeing a doctor is a sign of weakness.

Guys, it’s 2021. Come out of the cave. Put down your cue and go to the doctor. Become part of a cultural shift in which men give preventive care and attention to their cars on their bodies. This is a rational choice and a routine worth starting.

Louis Bezich, Senior Vice President of Cooper University Healthcare Strategic Alliance, is “Cracking the code: 10 verified secrets that can inspire healthy behavior and satisfaction in men over 50. ”Read more from Louis about his website.