Survey Reveals Current Trends in Men's Health

(NewsUSA) - Men in the United States may not be as healthy as they say they are. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicate cases of testicular and colorectal cancer have been on the rise for more than a decade. According to a recent survey commissioned by the American Academy of Family Physicians and conducted by Harris Interactive, almost one in five men age 55+ have not received the recommended screening for colon cancer. And, while 79 percent of the men surveyed said they are in excellent, very good or good health, 42 percent have been diagnosed with at least one of the following chronic conditions: high blood pressure, heart disease, arthritis, cancer or diabetes.

One of the biggest obstacles to improving men's healthcare is men themselves, the survey indicates. Among the findings:

* Twenty-nine percent of men said they wait as long as possible before seeing a doctor when they feel sick, are in pain or are concerned about their health.

* Men spend an average of 19 hours a week watching television, and more than 4 hours a week watching sports, but only 38 percent of men exercise on a regular basis.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates more than 71 percent of men are overweight.

But not all is bad news. Among those men surveyed who indicated they had a spouse/significant other, 78 percent said their spouse or significant other has influence over their decision to go to the doctor. But, what kind of doctor should a man see?

The Academy of Family Physicians recommends that all men have a personal family physician who knows their medical history and is their first point of contact for medical care.

In addition to diagnosing and treating illnesses, family physicians provide routine checkups, health-risk assessments, immunization and screening tests, and personalized counseling on healthy lifestyle choices. They also manage chronic illnesses and coordinate care, when necessary, with other specialists.