That's Fit

I'm not exactly sure what the deal is with us guys, but we're awfully pig-headed when it comes to going to the doctor. Maybe it's because we want to be all Charles Bronson about our ailments and see if we can tough them out. Problem is, sometimes an issue that could have been dealt with easily turns into an even bigger issue if it goes untreated.

A 2007 survey, conducted for the American Academy of Family Physicians, revealed what some guys' reasons are for not seeing a doctor. This is where I'd like to insert some fancy pie chart, but since I can't, I'll stick to bullet points.

• 36% of men only go to the doctor when they are extremely sick
• 23% of men say they are healthy and don't need to see a doctor
• 11% of men say lack of insurance prevents them from seeing a doctor
• 8% of men say they don't like doctors
• 7% of men don't go to the doctor because they are afraid of finding out that something is wrong with them

Look guys, if you're not feeling well, go see a doctor. Even if you're feeling fine and it's simply time you had an annual check-up, go see the damn doctor, will you? If your car is making a strange rattling noise or even driving the slightest bit off, you'd have it looked at, wouldn't you? Afford your body the same respect and care.

If it's been so long that you don't even know where to find one, check the American Medical Association website (www.ama-assn.org) for a comprehensive listing of board-certified internists.