Unfortunately, when it comes to our health, the ramifications are much more serious than getting lost. One result is that life expectancy for American men is six years less than for women. I believe some men avoid physicians because they think that if they die their family will be taken care of through insurance, inheritance or other safety nets. When I asked him why, he responded that if he died, insurance would be plenty to cover our family's needs. Most of us assume that if a serious illness happens, it will kill us immediately.
Many people become disabled and lose quality of life.
I can talk all day about death rates related to heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and cigarette smoking without getting much attention from men. The point is, having regular checkups and adopting a healthful lifestyle are important not only for living longer, but for living better. Most older patients I see don't care about living longer if their quality of life is gone. As we age, what most of us seek is the ability to continue to participate in life, contribute to our families and communities, and be unencumbered by chronic illness. Go to top 2 manly things to do right now Find a physician for ongoing health risk assessments and checkups.