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What makes men think they are invincible when it
comes to getting sick? That's one of those age-old questions that's right up
there with why men don't ask for directions. Is it that men don't get sick as
often as women do, or is it just part of their genetic makeup to be brave and
macho and to ignore serious health issues? While the answers to these and
other strange quirks dealing with the male species have been, and will be,
debated for centuries, the fact remains that, in general, men arguably are
somewhat reckless in their behavior when it comes to health matters. But don't
take my word for it; a survey released by the American Academy of Family
Physicians that compared the health behaviors of nearly 2,300 men and women
confirms it.
Here are just some of the startling statistics
that came out of the survey. More than half (55%) of all men have not seen
their primary care physician for a physical exam within the past year; four in
10 (42%) men have been diagnosed with at least of one of the following
conditions: hypertension (28%), heart disease (8%), arthritis (13%), cancer
(8%), or diabetes (10%); almost one in five men (18%) 55 years and older have
never received the recommended screening for colon cancer; and more than one
out of four men (29%) say they wait "as long as possible" before seeking help
when they feel sick or are in pain. Despite this, as incredible as it may
sound, almost eight in 10 (79%) described themselves as in "excellent," "very
good," or "good" health.
Does being married or having a significant other
influence men's health decisions? You bet. The survey revealed that 78% of the
men with a spouse or significant other said their partner had some influence
over their decision to see a physician. And as far as men thinking they are
immune to illness, well that turns out to be just an urban legend. According
to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, men are at a higher risk of
death than are women in most of the top 10 disease categories. These
categories include, in descending order: heart disease, cancer, unintentional
injuries, stroke, chronic COPD, diabetes, influenza and pneumonia, suicide,
kidney disease, and Alzheimer's disease. The average man lives 5.3 fewer years
than does the average woman. Why is this you might ask? There are many
hypotheses, including inherited traits and male sex hormones, which may affect
such characteristics as body fat distribution and the effect that might have
on some vital organs like the heart. Also, men are more likely to smoke,
drink, use illicit drugs, and engage in casual sex than are women. Men are
also more likely to take greater risks and behave aggressively, which might
explain high blood pressure and accidental deaths.
Whatever the reasons, it is important that
pharmacists recognize that men are at an equal or greater risk of developing a
serious illness, as are women. It is a well known fact that men generally do
not shop in a drug store as often as women. It is also a well known fact that
the majority of pharmacists entering retail today are women. This combination
makes it difficult for many pharmacists to reach those men they do come into
contact with to discuss their health problems. While it is more likely for a
female patient to share her personal health issues with a male pharmacist, it
is less likely that a male patient will approach a female pharmacist to
discuss his personal health issues. Therefore, it is important that female
pharmacists make an attempt to approach a male patient to offer consultation
on personal health issues.
These alarming statistics and trends are what
prompted us at U.S. Pharmacist to devote this issue primarily to men's
health concerns, so that both male and female pharmacists have the proper
consultation materials to help their male patients get better; because in the
end, it really is not just a guy thing.
Harold E. Cohen, R. Ph.
Editor-in-Chief
hcohen@jobson.com
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