ATTENTION MEN: I Want You to Get a Checkup

An Exercise in Excuses So, it’s been a while since you’ve had a checkup. What’s your reason for putting it off? Think about what you say when someone who cares about you suggests that you have a checkup. What goes through your mind when you hear a report on TV or read in the newspaper that men need regular checkups to screen for heart disease, cancer and diabetes? Perhaps you justify not getting a checkup by telling yourself one of these reasons: “I’ve been busy.” “I feel perfectly healthy, so I don’t want to waste my time.” “The idea of finding out there’s something wrong with me keeps me away from the doctor.” “My friends have had to deal with health issues as we have grown older, and I am in no hurry to have to deal with these things myself.” It’s important to understand your excuses. This can help you be upfront with yourself about why you put off seeing the doctor. Then you can see how your excuse stacks up to the fact that checkups can help find a health problem early, when it’s easier to treat. The fact is that regular checkups give you a better shot at a longer, healthier life. — Maura Fredey An Exercise in Excuses If you are willing to tackle your reason for avoiding checkups head on, try this exercise. Put a check next to any of the following statements that are true for you. My reason helps me pretend that a symptom or health problem I have doesn’t exist. My reason helps me avoid something I know is true. (For example, heart disease runs in my family, so I know a doctor should check my blood pressure.) My reason minimizes the fact that I haven’t had a checkup. (For example, “It’s no big deal.”) My reason helps me change the subject when the topic of having a checkup comes up. My reason helps me deny the fact that all men need regular checkups, including me, even though I may feel fine. My reason helps me rationalize why I haven’t had a checkup. (For example, “I am always too busy” or “I don’t like my doctor.”) My reason helps me label the person who suggests I get a checkup as a worrier. My reason makes the idea of getting a checkup a hopeless cause. (“I’ve never been one to go to the doctor — I’m not going to start now.”) If you checked off any of these statements, your “checkup defense” may be cheating you out of better health. The next time you catch yourself using an excuse to avoid a checkup, think twice. It’s up to you to take the next step, leave your defenses behind and take action. — M. F.