Thanks to Kevin MD for pointing us to this article about how to get men to the doctor.
I've blogged before about men not calling their doctors, including my own S.O. It was with some personal interest, therefore, that I read this article.
And I find myself frustrated.
The advice in the article seems patronizing to both men and women. We women shouldn't be nags or mommies or threatening. Yet, we should build them up as manly men and providers who are needed to stay alive and healthy so that they can protect and provide for their families. Men, if we are to believe this article, just can't handle the truth. And the job of the woman is to accommodate this illogical inaction. And try to cater to it. I mean I know the article is probably accurate about what will and will not motivate the majority of men, but I'm thinking of telling my very bright engineer S.O. that he and his refusal to follow up on health issues is simply an example of Darwin at work. I'll add that I somehow expected he'd be one of the fittest, not one of those doomed to die out through their own stupid (in)actions.
Think that'll work?
Think that'll work?
Nope.
Believe it or not, the most effective method is counter-intuitive: keep nagging.
At the ripe old age of 45, after 5 years of (consistent but not constant) nudging from "she who must be obeyed," I finally took the plunge and had a complete physical.
It is NOT about the money: our insurance covered most of it; my OOP was (IIRC) something like $100.
It's really about (you should pardon the expression) "don't ask, don't tell." That is, the X chromosome has an inherent belief that it is invincible, unless and until we are told otherwise.
Sad, but true.
Posted by: hgstern | February 20, 2006 at 09:10 PM
Ooops!
(Preview is my friend)
"the X chromosome" should be "the Y chromosome."
Sorry!
Posted by: hgstern | February 20, 2006 at 09:11 PM
I can never keep straight which chromosome is which anyway. Yes, the article does mention that aspect...if a man doesn't know something's wrong he assumes everything's right.
Consistent but not constant nagging it is then!
Posted by: Elisa Camahort | February 20, 2006 at 09:55 PM