Men hate going to doctors

“There could be as many answers to that question as male patients that I see, but more often than not it’s that it’s not a priority for them,” said Timothy Vavra, Loyola University Health system physician and associate professor of internal medicine at Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine.

“They’re not willing to make a lifestyle change so they think it’s a waste of time listening to a doctor tell them to change the way they eat, to start exercising and stop smoking if they’re not going to do it anyway,” said Vavra.

According to Vavra this thinking doesn’t add up. The longer a person puts off seeing a doctor the more likely they’ll have to see a doctor on a regular basis. Everyone is busy and for many men the time going to a doctor can feel like a waste of a precious resource. Still, Vavra says going to the doctor is one of the best things a man can do for his family.

“A man may feel selfish or weak going to the doctor or caring for his health, but it makes a positive impact on the whole family. Kids look to their parents for examples of how to live. So lead by example. If you live a healthy life so will your kids,” said Vavra.