Dr. James Bray, a psychologist in Baylor's Department of Family and Community Medicine, attributes the absence of men in doctors' offices to social conditioning. Fortunately, this has been changing as we learn more about health risks and family histories, but there are still plenty of men out there who were raised under the old school of thought. Fear of the unknown can also deter some men from seeking medical advice. Spouses and significant others can help stop this pattern of behavior by educating men about the benefits of routine physical exams and early detection of health problems, and by encouraging them to call a physician when they're sick. Men aren't the only ones who will benefit, Bray said.
Boys can learn a lot from the example set by their father.
All Rights Reserved.