<p>“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.<br /><br />“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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />“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. <br /></p>
<p>“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.<br /><br />“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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />“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. <br /></p>