Who is healthier males or females

According to a major survey conducted by the Commonwealth Fund, three times as many men as women had not seen a doctor in the previous year; more than half of all men had not had a physical exam or cholesterol test in the previous year. In general, men who have the most traditional, macho views about masculinity are the least likely to get routine check-ups and necessary medical care. Call it the ostrich mentality or the John Wayne Syndrome; by any name, men who skip tests and treatments, minimize symptoms, and disregard medical advice are asking for trouble.

Men who look under the hood every time the engine coughs should be as quick to get help when they cough. It is hard to know why men make such poor patients; busy work schedules and competing responsibilities and interests may play a role, but the macho mentality appears to be the chief culprit. Who can blame men for wanting to be John Wayne? But by following the example of that quintessential American he-man, men fail to take the simple steps that can protect them from heart disease and lung cancer — the very same illnesses that plagued John Wayne before his death at age Men can't change their chromosomes and genes, and very few would change their hormones.

Still, men can catch up to women in some other areas. That doesn't mean "going girly," though it does mean following some simple rules. But will men change their behavior?

An incident reported in The Wall Street Journal may help you decide about making changes. In the s, when Muhammad Ali was a brash and fearless boxing sensation still known as Cassius Clay, he boarded a plane to fly to a big fight.

While preparing for takeoff, a flight attendant noticed that the boxer had not fastened his seat belt. She asked him to buckle up, but he ignored her. When she asked again, he replied, "Superman don't need no seat belt.

Buckle up. Men who think they are too tough to get sick are risking a medical crash-landing. To stay healthy, we all need to follow the rules including the one about seat belts. Here are 10 tips to help you wing your way to a long and healthy life. Stay lean. It's equally hard for men and women, but even partial success will help. If you choose to drink, limit yourself to one to two drinks a day , counting 5 ounces of wine, 12 ounces of beer, and 1. Avoid risky behavior , including drug abuse, unsafe sex, dangerous driving, unsafe firearm use, and living in hazardous household conditions.

Reduce exposure to toxins and radiation , including sunlight and medical x-rays. Get regular medical check-ups , screening tests, and immunizations. Listen to your body and report sounds of discord to your doctor. Seek joy and share it with others.

Laughter is good medicine. Fun and optimism improve health as well as happiness. And if you make changes 1 to 9 slowly, steadily, and reasonably, you will actually come to enjoy your healthful lifestyle. As things now stand, men are from Mars, women from Venus.

But gents who get their planets aligned correctly can enjoy the best of both worlds — and good health right here on Earth. Photo: Thinkstock. As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content.

Please note the date of last review or update on all articles. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.

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Fruit and vegetable intake Fewer than 1 in 30 men and 1 in 15 women ate enough fruit and vegetables Women Go for at least 2 serves of fruit and 5 to 6 serves vegetables each day. Try including a few vegetarian meals each week. Sugary drinks Men were almost 2x as likely as women to drink sugar-sweetened drinks daily.

Women Aim for a waist circumference below 94cm or inch pant size 80cm or size 14 or below for women. Smoking Women Quit smoking. Alcohol consumption 1 in 4 men and 1 in 11 women consume alcohol at risky levels Women Stick to the national guidelines of maximum 14 standard drinks per week PLUS 2 alcohol free days each week. Same A lifestyle including, physical activity, a well-balanced diet and maintaining a healthy body weight reduces the risk of poor health.

Life expectancy For males born in —17 is Look out for: frequent urination, particularly at night pain on urination blood in the urine or semen a weak stream pain in the back or pelvis. See your GP if you have concerns about your prostate health.

Heart disease, blood pressure and stroke Cardiovascular disease CVD is at the top of the list for diseases which kill Australian men. You might also be interested in. Load more. Latest articles.

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