Understanding the Role of Your Doctor
A Good Doctor is Evaluator, Investigator, Educator & Collaborator!
Nov 22, 2008
It is well known that most men look after their cars very well.
Service vs BreakdownIf the car develops a new symptom - like a funny sound emanating from the engine, a door that does not lock properly or a leak of oil - we quickly take the car to be checked by a mechanic (unless of course we are one of those lucky enough to be motor mechanics ourselves!). When the car is due for a service (which we usually know because at the time of the previous service the mechanic conveniently pasted a sticker on the inside of the windscreen to say when the next service was due) we religiously take the car along for the service. By regularly servicing the vehicle and getting new problems attended to BEFORE they develop into serious problems, we minimise the risk of breakdown.
Sadly, few of us men take the same care about ourselves.When we develop a new symptom - chest pain or discomfort on exercise, a lump somewhere in the body, a leak of urine - we usually put off going to see the doctor, instead hoping that the troublesome symptom will go away. We as men hardly ever go for a check up - and even if we do get a reminder from the doctor's office that our annual check-up is due, most of us put it off because we "just don't have the time".
Human beings, just like cars, need regular servicing if they are to achieve their full potential and not breakdown before their "use-by" date.
Regular Check up
Obviously, newer cars need less maintenance than older cars - and young men need less frequent check-ups compared to older men.
But young men (like owners of new cars) should go to see their doctors if they develop a new symptom. For example a lump in the testicle could be a sign of a testicular cancer, while a lump in the groin could signal the commencement of a hernia. These matters could then be dealt with BEFORE they develop into something serious.
Older men should have an annual check-up - starting at perhaps the age of forty years. Ideally, the height, weight and blood pressure should be checked, along with vision, chest and abdominal examination, with blood tests for diabetes cholesterol, liver and kidney function. If something unusual is detected after doing these basic tests, further investigations can be done and an illness that can be life-threatening could be dealt with while still at its early curable stage.
Take Home Mesage
The most important Take Home Message is simply this: Men should treat their own bodies as well as (if not better than ) their own cars.
After all, whether it is with motor vehicles or men, regular service will prevent premature breakdown!
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