Here’s how to get your man to the doctor
Men are notorious for avoiding GPs and specialists and it is affecting their health. Motivational psychologist Eve Ash says there are several reasons why men are hesitant to visit the doctor.
“Men believe they are strong and capable (superhero syndrome), will be all right despite symptoms (denial) and don’t like feeling vulnerable (shame and fear about their bodies) bodies),” ” she says says.
Ash provides four tactics that may convince your man to go.
Scenario planning: Discuss the “what if” of a sudden health crisis (of you or your man) and the impact on work, income, family, dependants and fun. The longer a problem goes unchecked, the more dangerous and costly. Discuss relevant lucky or unlucky health outcomes for friends and family.
Focus on health facts: Create a reality check. Tailor your research to the age, physical and mental health health, and risk factors of your man. Men are more prone to sudden heart attacks, diabetes, high BP, more likely to die of melanoma, and usually live four years less than women. Find relevant scientific developments in early diagnosis and get creative to trigger rational thinking.
Use the analogy approach: Like houses and cars, our bodies need maintenance. Bodies can hide faults and can only get a certain number of parts replaced and can hide inner cracks cracks. Discuss amazing medical science breakthroughs for detecting and resolving problems often before we even know we’ve got a problem.
Care, challenge and communicate:
You can’t control or change some people, but you can create a wellbeing culture in your relationship. Explain why you care so much. Create a couple/ family wellbeing challenge for the next three months and communicate about your future health.