Changing men’s attitude to health

A NEW survey about men’s attitude to healthcare reveals that men are reluctant to consult with healthcare professionals. Despite two-thirds of those surveyed having significant medical family histories, more than one in five men (21 per cent) have not visited a GP, or healthcare professional in the last 12 months – and two per cent admit they have never seen one.

The survey asked 1,000 men aged over 18 (73 per cent were aged over 45) about their views on health and their attitude to seeing healthcare professionals and undergoing basic health checks – measuring weight, blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol.

Overall only 14 per cent admitted to being happy to see a doctor if needed, while a third revealed that they will only go to the doctor if their partners encourage them, or they really have to.

The survey was undertaken by insureblue.co.uk which this week launched its fundraising support for the new Blue Ribbon Foundation by donating £10 for every bike, home and car insurance policy sold on its web site to the Blue Ribbon Foundation which has been created to raise awareness about male cancers and male health issues.

The website insurepink.co.uk, the sister site to insureblue, raises over £1,000 a week for the Pink Ribbon Foundation charity which supports breast cancer charities funding research, specialist equipment and nurses.

Jonathan Prince, chair of trustees, Blue Ribbon Foundation said: “I am delighted that in these difficult financial times that insureblue will enable many individuals to donate while getting a fair insurance deal. We men need to do more to look after ourselves. I speak to many women who are more concerned about their partners. These donations will enable us to change men’s attitudes to their overall health.”

Krishna Sethia, medical director and consultant urologist said: “I welcome any positive move that will make men more aware of health issues relating to themselves.”