It is common knowledge that women live longer than men. Life expectancy at birth is about five years shorter for males than for females. Men have higher death rates from heart disease, cancer, COPD, diabetes, pneumonia, and liver disease as well as accidents and suicides. 

There are several explanations for this, and one of them is the difference in how men and women approach their health care. Generally speaking, women are more open to talking about their medical issues and seeking help, while men are often reluctant to admit to nagging health problems, preferring to just tough it out.

Why Men Avoid Doctors 

Of course, these are stereotypes, but there is a lot of truth to this—as demonstrated by a 2019 national survey of 1,174 men conducted by the Cleveland Clinic. 

Nearly three-quarters of the men surveyed said they would rather do chores around the house than go to the doctor. Their reasons were fairly typical. More than 40% reported that they were raised to believe men should not complain about their health. 

Embarrassment discussing sensitive issues was another concern. Some admitted they knew they had a health problem but did not want to get bad news—they would rather not know if they had a serious disease. Others said they didn’t want to get lectured about their diet, exercise, weight, etc. They felt judged by their doctors, and they wanted to avoid it.   

Health Issues That Are Often Overlooked

I have nothing but admiration for strong, self-reliant, un-whiney men. But stepping up and dealing with your health issues is a sign of strength rather than weakness. Robust health is not about luck—and for us men, it’s a good thing because the deck would be stacked against us. 

It’s about taking action, and action requires developing an open, nonjudgmental, ongoing relationship with a doctor and team of healthcare professionals who can help with the health concerns that men often ignore. They include: 

• Weight: More than 34% of American men are overweight and 43% are obese. Although weight loss is important for both sexes, men tend to carry excess weight in the abdominal area, which is linked with an increased risk of heart disease, diabetes and more. Achieving and maintaining your optimal weight isn’t just about your appearance. It is about your health and longevity. If you are struggling with your weight, it is important to figure out contributing causes such as hormonal imbalances and yeast overgrowth—and to seek professional help if you are having trouble sticking with a weight loss program.   
• Chronic diseases: Men are more likely to develop chronic conditions such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, lung problems, liver disease and several types of cancer. They also tend to develop them at an earlier age. A healthy eating plan, regular exercise, hormone balancing, detoxification and other targeted natural therapies go a long way towards preventing these and other health challenges. 
• Prostate problems: Having to make frequent trips to the bathroom is more than annoying. It also interferes with your sleep and your quality of life. Although benign prostatic hyperplasia (age-related prostate enlargement) affects the majority of older men, saw palmetto, stinging nettle, beta-sitosterol and other botanicals can help reduce urinary frequency, urgency, dribbling, etc. 
• Sexual issues: Many men are uncomfortable talking about erectile dysfunction, loss of libido and other sexual problems. Yet, studies suggest that approximately 40% of men have some degree of erectile dysfunction by age 40, and 70% are affected by age 70. Declines in testosterone and other hormones, obesity, and chronic conditions such as diabetes and heart disease are treatable causes. 
• Emotional issues: Men are also reluctant to admit to emotional issues like depression and anxiety. Imbalances in testosterone, thyroid and other hormones are intimately related to mood disorders, but they often go untreated. Correcting deficiencies with bioidentical hormones can lift your mood and brighten your world. 

Men Need a Health Coach 

Another finding of the Cleveland Clinic survey was that the majority of the men acknowledged the importance of staying on top of their health, but only 50% of them engaged in preventive care. This echoes our experience here at the Hotze Health & Wellness Center. Well over half of our guests are women, and more than a few of our male guests initially came in only because their wives insisted on it. 

Men, I challenge you to step up and own your health. I understand that doctors can be arrogant, intimidating and condescending. I also know it is hard to discuss personal issues. That is why we make it a priority to provide a welcoming, relaxed environment that encourages an open dialog. We respect you and your privacy, and we appreciate the trust you put in us by allowing us to participate in your healthcare.   

Every man needs a health coach—a doctor and a team of professionals to help him on a path of wellness and vitality. Let us show you how Hotze Health & Wellness Center’s core program of comprehensive testing, nutritional counseling, bioidentical hormones, and lifestyle changes can help you feel stronger, sexier, slimmer, healthier, and happier than you have in years. 

To schedule a Free Wellness Consultation—via telemedicine or at the Hotze Health & Wellness Center—call us at 281-698-8698 or visit hotzehwc.com. To learn more about or to order Dr. Hotze’s supplements, visit hotzevitamins.com or call 281-646-1659.