WEDNESDAY, June 12, 2002 (HealthDayNews) -- As men get older, the body starts to wear down. Bones ache. Joints get creaky. Vision goes blurry.
But one thing doesn't change -- they still hate to go to the doctor's office.
A non-profit health group aims to change that, by bringing the doctors to their reluctant patients. Throughout the summer, the Men's Health Network will offer free health screenings to men 40 and older across the United States.
The group is kicking off the campaign this week, in conjunction with National Men's Health Week, which runs from June 10 to 16. The first screening will take place June 16 at the Target store in Alexandria, Va.
Twice as many women as men go to the doctor for annual examinations and preventive care, even excluding pregnancy-related visits, according to a 2001 survey conducted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Dr. Bruce Rashbaum, a Washington, D.C., internist and expert on men's health issues, says he can understand why a trip to the doctor is less-than-desirable for most men.
"It may be seen as less of a masculine thing to do," he says. "Men think they can take care of everything, and they aren't as comfortable talking about their problems."
Nevertheless, doctors recommend a slate of regular health screenings for men, particularly if they are past the age of 40. These include a physical, blood pressure screenings, blood tests and rectal examinations.
Less regularly needed -- but no less important -- are such detection procedures as chest X-rays, electrocardiograms and colonoscopies, according to the Men's Health Network.
"Preventative health care is key," Rashbaum says. "Better to catch things too early than too late. And if you get a clean bill of health, there's a lot of peace of mind."
The health screenings provided during the summer campaign, called "Time Out for Men's Health," include checks for cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar, prostate specific antigens, testosterone levels, and a body mass index evaluation to determine if you're overweight.
The campaign also will provide access to a health educator and literature related to men's health and well-being.
The group hopes these events will prompt men to get more regular checkups, particularly those dreading the onset of old age.
"Life does not end as you get older," Rashbaum says. "Life can be rich and full. Just because appearances change does not mean the vigor and vitality has to change."
What To Do
To learn more about health issues of interest to men, visit the Men's Health Network, or the University of Texas - Houston Medical School. For more on the "Time Out for Men's Health" campaign, call the Men's Health Network at 202-543-6461.
