Attention men: Driven by societal pressures to “be tough,” you are less likely to seek medical attention if you are experiencing symptoms and when you do finally see a doctor your woes are often more serious for the delay.
A recent presentation on men’s health at Greenwich Hospital brought home the data, including that men are living five fewer years than their female counterparts.
“Men are told to ”˜suck it up”™ and ”˜be tough,”™” said the hospital’s Dr. Franklin Loria. “It usually takes a crisis ”“ their father died or a friend was diagnosed with cancer ”“ to get them to see a doctor,”
Loria was among a panel of speakers at a free “Men”™s Wellness” lecture at Greenwich Hospital as part of “Movember Mondays,” which aims to draw attention to men”™s health issues.
Joining Loria were Dr. James Rosoff, a urologist; and Richard Becker, a cardiac rehabilitation specialist.
The experts encouraged men to take charge of their health by getting a primary care physician; eating a plant-based diet; exercising; keeping up to date with vaccinations and screenings; and being aware of their blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Compared with women, men are more likely to participate in high-risk behaviors, smoke and use tobacco, and drink in excess, said Loria. They”™re also less likely to report signs and symptoms of depression.
Women typically outlive men by about five years ”“ 81 years for women compared to 76 years for men ”“ the hospital reported in a statement that said, “But the gap has narrowed in recent years.”
The bad news for women is that their health, too, is heading south.
“It”™s not that men are getting healthier,” said Loria. “Women are getting sicker.”
Staying socially connected ”“ something women are more adept at doing ”“ also impacts physical health. Loria cited one study that showed having a social network lowered your chances of dying by 50 percent compared with those who had fewer social ties.
“Fortunately, we can take steps to improve our health,” he said. “It”™s all about the decisions we make.”
