How to Convince the Man in Your Life to Get a Checkup

Studies show men tend to go to the doctor less often than women for various reasons.

Some fear getting bad news. Others feel they’re too busy. Yet others say they feel fine, without any concern about underlying conditions with silent symptoms.

A survey by the Cleveland Clinic found that many men think they are healthy, but their habits show otherwise:

• 44% skip yearly check-ups.
• 44% neglect mental health.
• 49% have an unhealthy diet.

Delaying medical care can be harmful, but receiving regular checkups and screenings can lead to better health results.

Men’s Health Month (June) and Movember (November) are dedicated to raising awareness about men’s health and encouraging regular checkups.

These initiatives place a strong emphasis on mental health and prostate cancer, highlighting critical issues that affect men disproportionately. In the U.S., men are four times more likely to die by suicide than women, underscoring the urgent need for mental health support. Additionally, prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men, making early detection and treatment crucial.

“Regular checkups and open communication with health care providers can lead to early identification of potential health issues, ultimately improving long-term health outcomes,” says Dr. LaVine.

Regular checkups and screenings can detect the early warning signs of more serious conditions, including many that primarily affect men, such as heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes.

“Working with their doctor, they can identify the potential emergence of ‘silent killers,’ such as high blood pressure, elevated blood sugar and blood cholesterol. They can ensure that preventive screenings are up to date and create a rapport with their doctor so that they feel more at ease broaching difficult conversations in the future,” Dr. LaVine says.

Everyone should seek medical help when needed, but a little encouragement and support can make a big difference, especially for men. Here are some ways you can help:

Whether he is taking the initiative to go see his doctor or just needs help, offer your support.

Help schedule an appointment if needed. If he doesn’t have a regular doctor, assist him in finding someone whom he agrees would be a good fit. Try to make the appointment at a convenient time and offer to go with him.

Accessing healthcare is convenient in the digital age. Recommend virtual appointments with a primary care physician to save time and prioritize health.

At Scripps, virtual care services – symptom checker, E-visits and video visits – connect patients with their health care providers to manage various conditions. Services are offered through MyScripps, the Scripps patient portal.

Help him develop or go over a list of questions that he wants answered, along with any symptoms he may be experiencing. Remember to include personal medical history and family health history.

Some men don’t like discussing certain health issues because they might feel embarrassed or don’t want to be told that they should change their diets or lifestyle. Discussing those lifestyle habits with him ahead of time may help him feel more comfortable opening up to the doctor.

Sometimes, men are reluctant to take time away from their careers and family to look into their own health. Often, they will come around when the argument is made that keeping him healthy is a priority for you or your family, especially if health issues, such as diabetes, cancer, heart disease or stroke, run in his family.

Let him know that putting off a doctor visit until he is in pain or at an advanced stage of a disease may make treating his condition more difficult or costly.