Women outlive men an average of about six years. One reason could be that women are much more likely to visit the doctor and have regular checkups that detect health problems in the early stages. Men, in general, tend to avoid doctors unless there's an obvious and persistent symptom. Pap smear every year, men are less likely to follow or know about guidelines for annual checkups. Regular medical exams can detect problems like heart disease, high blood pressure, cancer and diabetes in their earliest stages.
Early detection can prevent organ damage, and some ailments are curable if found early.
Avoiding doctors may mean waiting until it's too late to stop the damage or until the disease has become life-threatening. If you haven't been to the doctor in a few years, schedule an appointment for a physical, even if you feel well. Regular checkups can help keep you feeling well and running smoothly. Other Topics Health Watch is intended to provide general information only and should not replace the advice of a medical professional. You should contact your physician if you have questions about any of these topics.