The old saying goes, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”
Taking preventative measures is a part of everyday life. It is why we change the oil in our cars and rotate the tires. It is why we lock our doors and wash our hands.
But let's be honest, no one likes going to the doctor. Scheduling an in-person appointment is inconvenient, the waiting rooms are uncomfortable and medical information is rarely presented in a user-friendly way. That said, the benefits of routine checkups include early detection of chronic illnesses and higher vaccination rates. And for high-risk populations, like those with a family history of cancer, routine checkups aren’t just beneficial; they are vital.
This is why Boomerang is so focused on bringing the advantages of preventative healthcare check ups into the comfort of home. Let's talk about the importance of regular check ups for men and how men of all ages can start taking control of their health proactively and conveniently with Boomerang.
Why Men Don’t Go to the Doctor
It is well known that women live longer than men. It's quite possible this is largely related to women being more likely to utilize the preventative measures of routine checkups than men.1
Men are more likely to engage in riskier behaviors and not utilize preventative healthcare services; they may not even seek immediate medical help for many health problems. This could be partly due to social constructs and commonly held beliefs in traditional gender roles.2
Another theory is that men generally do not get as much early exposure to the healthcare system as women. Women are recommended to begin routine annual checkups at the age of 18, while most men don’t start checkups until 30 or even 40.
In a survey performed by the Cleveland Clinic, only 50% of men said they go to their regular checkups.3 Many men said they simply could not find the time to schedule a routine checkup.
It was also found that even if men did go to their routine checkups, they did not like to talk about their health and were not always open with their doctor. Common reasons included uneasiness or embarrassment when talking about specific concerns.
Why is Cholesterol Screening Vital?
It is easy to brush off the importance of cholesterol testing. After all, what’s the big deal? Well, to keep it simple, cholesterol lets your doctor know if you have a buildup of plaque in your arteries, leading to heart disease. And these staggering statistics from the CDC clue us into just how significant a problem heart disease is in the US.
- About 6.2 million adults in the United States have heart failure.4
- In 2018, heart failure was mentioned on 379,800 death certificates (13.4%).4
- Heart failure costs the nation an estimated $30.7 billion in 2012.4 This total includes the cost of health care services, medicines to treat heart failure, and missed days of work.4
By monitoring your cholesterol, especially if you have a family history of high cholesterol, you can make healthier lifestyle decisions and reduce your risk of heart disease.
Let's Talk About Testosterone
Testosterone plays an essential role in men’s health but particularly sexual health. This is one of those topics that are uncomfortable to talk about with your doctor. However, when experiencing problems with fertility or libido, testosterone will be one of the first tests needed to diagnose and treat the issue accurately.
Boomerang’s Men’s Health Basic Test and Testosterone Test
It is understandable that taking care of our health may not be at the top of our long daily to-do list and that we would prefer to deal with some sensitive subjects in the comfort of our own homes. The good news is, though, that in the ever-progressing field of healthcare, new options that are convenient and private are available to assist in you taking those preventative measures.
It is possible to take preventative screenings into your own hands, literally. Boomerang offers a comprehensive Men's Health Basic test that screens for testosterone, SHBG, PSA, and lipids. This checks your heart health, hormone health, and screens for prostate cancer.
With Boomerang's Testosterone test kit, you can also check your testosterone, SHBG, and PSA levels.
The testing kit is shipped to you free, including a virtually painless blood collection device. After you collect the sample within the comfort of your home (no waiting rooms!), you ship it back to our lab and have your secure digital results back to you within five business days.
Your health doesn't have to be at the bottom of your to-do list. Stay on top of your routine checkups and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with preventative healthcare. References
- Vaidya V, Partha G, Karmakar M. Gender differences in utilization of preventive care services in the United States. J Womens Health (Larchmt). 2012;21(2):140-145. doi:10.1089/jwh.2011.2876 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22081983/
- Novak JR, Peak T, Gast J, Arnell M. Associations Between Masculine Norms and Health-Care Utilization in Highly Religious, Heterosexual Men. Am J Mens Health. 2019 May-Jun;13(3):1557988319856739. doi: 10.1177/1557988319856739. PMID: 31184245; PMCID: PMC6560804. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6560804/
- Why Men Don’t Go to the Doctor. AARP. https://www.aarp.org/health/healthy-living/info-2019/survey-men-avoiding-doctors.html#:~:text=In%20general%2C%20Gill%20advises%20men,of%20those%2035%20to%2054.). Published September 6, 2019. Accessed September 29, 2022.
- Heart Failure. CDC. https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/facts.htm#:~:text=Heart%20Disease%20in%20the%20United,groups%20in%20the%20United%20States.&text=One%20person%20dies%20every%2034,United%20States%20from%20cardiovascular%20disease. Published July 15, 2022. Accessed September 29, 2022.
