Reprinted from the Health District's quarterly publication mailed to district residents (Fall 2003)
TOPIC: Men: Answers are a click away
 
by polly anderson

Men are often stereotyped for their unwillingness to see a doctor, and for good reason.

According to the Health District’s 2001 Community Health Survey, 84 percent of men report visiting a healthcare provider at least once a year, compared to 91 percent of women.

These infrequent visits to a regular source of care mean many men are missing out on potentially lifesaving healthcare. A routine visit to the doctor can help men understand and manage — or even lower — their risks for many diseases. A visit can also provide men with important mental health, parenting, substance abuse and other information.

So, men, make an appointment to see your family physician today, and in the meantime, visit these links to learn more about your health and healthcare.

• Men’s Health Center on Laurus Health —
www.laurushealth.com/healthtopics/menshealth.htm

The Men’s Health Center on Laurus Health offers a range of health information for men including recent news and prostate cancer information. A link to Laurus Health — which includes special centers for other populations and issues — is also available from the Poudre Valley Hospital web site, www.pvhs.org.

• Mayo Clinic Men’s Health Center —
www.mayoclinic.com/findinformation/healthylivingcenter/index.cfm

The very reputable Mayo Clinic web site offers men basic information on health threats and issues, provides a Q&A section and offers resources to help men take control of their health.

• Healthfinder Just for You: Men — www.healthfinder.gov/justforyou/

This federal web site offering links to the best government and nonprofit health and human services information on the Internet. The site offers sections for men, women, teens and others.

Polly Anderson is the site editor for www.healthinfosource.com, a new local health information web site. She can be reached at panderson@healthdistrict.org