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NEW YORK — Nearly 70% of men find it easier to care for their cars than for their personal health, according to a survey commissioned by Abbott and Men’s Health Network.
Abbott said the poll of 501 men ages 45 to 65 also found that more than 40% of respondents would be more likely to address issues with their car than their health. As a result, some men may be ignoring the symptoms of certain health conditions because they are reluctant to visit the doctor, the study concluded.
The survey is part of the "T-Talk Tune-Up," a national campaign launched this week by Men’s Health Network and Abbott to raise awareness of men’s health issues. Racing champion Terry Labonte and national men’s health expert Dr. Harry Fisch are leading the campaign, which coincides with Men’s Health Awareness Month in June.
"For many men, tuning up our cars is easier than getting checkups for our health," Labonte said in a statement. "With the help of my wife, Kim, I began to think about my body and my health in the same way I think about the care of my cars. As a result, I scheduled a doctor’s appointment and a series of tests to help stay on top of my health."
The survey also found that 28% of men don’t visit the doctor regularly, and over 40% of their significant others reported they are worried about their spouse’s or partner’s health. More than half of the 501 women polled (56%) worry more about their spouse’s or partner’s health than their own.
Fisch recommends five health tests that every man should discuss with his doctor: a testicular exam, a prostate exam, a cholesterol test, a testosterone test and a blood pressure screening.
"It is important to schedule annual checkups because some men may not recognize the symptoms of many treatable conditions, such as low testosterone, when they are experiencing symptoms," explained Fisch, a urologist and clinical professor of medicine at New York Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical College and director of the Male Reproductive Center.
The website TTalkTuneUp.com offers men tips for caring for their cars and their bodies, including a free health maintenance guide. The guide includes information on key health tests that men should know about plus health advice from Fisch.
"Men’s Health Network is dedicated to raising awareness of men’s health and encouraging men to proactively address health conditions like low testosterone," stated Scott Williams, vice president of Men’s Health Network.
