Fifty-eight percent of the men surveyed cited a range of factors
that prevents them from going to the doctor. The most common
factor suggests an interesting mind-set -- that a doctor is
useful for treating severe illness, but not for providing
preventive care or screening for disease. “I only go the doctor
if I am extremely sick,” reported more than one-third of the
respondents. An additional 23 percent explained their health
care avoidance this way: “I am healthy. I have no reason to go
to a doctor.” Men’s tendency to seek health care services only
in “crisis” situations -- and to see themselves as strong and
healthy enough to skip checkups and recommended screenings -- is
no surprise to psychologists. Numerous studies have concluded
that men of all ages are less likely than women to seek help for
problems, including physical and emotional health issues. This
is a learned behavior, some experts say. Many men are raised to
act stoic, tough, and independent -- to stay in control and hide
their vulnerability. C