And, according to experts, it's a good thing that women assume that responsibility. Studies routinely show that men are less likely to visit their primary care physician, but more likely to visit the emergency room. They are also less likely to watch their diets and more likely to die of heart disease.
Men and Health Behavior
Numerous studies have shown that men are less likely than women to participate in preventive health care. A survey from the Commonwealth Fund, a private foundation focused on improving health care, found that nearly 1 in every 4 men "did not see a physician in the year prior to the survey." And according to the Office of Minority Affairs, a division of the United States Department of Health and Senior Services, women accounted for 488 million doctor's visits in 2000, while men visited a doctor just 335 million times.
Nathan Wong, Ph.D., spokesperson for the American College of Cardiology, sees this phenomenon in his own practice.
"My sense is men are much more likely to visit a doctor only when a problem occurs and are much less concerned about preventive health, nutrition and lifestyle issues," Wong said.
Though the lack of preventive care and inattention to diet isn't the only reason, experts say it certainly has something to do with the fact that men are twice as likely as women to die from heart disease.
Women and Prevention
Women take a variety of measures to influence the heart health of their partners and set a good example for the rest of the family:
- Change the way you cook. Cut down on animal products and get creative with vegetables. Remember -- plants generally don't contain fat. Wong also recommends incorporating soy products, such as tofu and soy milk, into your diet to improve cholesterol levels.
- Get moving. Encourage your husband to pick up his walking shoes by picking up yours. Promote the walk as a chance to reconnect. Make it your goal to get at least 30 minutes of activity daily. Participate together in a 5K road race or plan a hiking trip. Work out together at the gym. Then come home and shower together.
- Promote the idea of prevention. Mention health articles you've read to your husband. Encourage your husband to make and keep his doctor's appointments; using the same dates each year, such as his birthday or Valentine's Day, is a great reminder. And if he's prescribed medication, brainstorm ideas to help him remember to take it.
- Consult experts. If your husband is the type of person who is more likely to heed the advice of a professional, make an appointment together to see a nutritionist, personal trainer or even a psychotherapist.
- Last, but not least, tell him that you love him and want him around for a long time.
Sources:
"High Blood Cholesterol: What You Need To Know." nhlbi.nih.gov. Jun 2005. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. 19 Sep 2008. <http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/heart/chol/wyntk.htm>.
"Men's Health 101." omhrc.gov. 08 Jul 2008. US Department of Health and Human Services. 19 Sep 2008. <http://www.omhrc.gov/templates/content.aspx?ID=3733>.
"Out of Touch: American Men and the Health Care System." commonwealthfund.org. 03 Mar 2000. The Commonwealth Fund. 19 Sep 2008. <http://www.commonwealthfund.org/publications/publications_show.htm?doc_id=221385>.
"Who's Taking Your Family's Health To Heart?" acc.org. 22 Jul 2003. American College of Cardiology. 19 Sep 2008. <http://www.acc.org/media/patient/heart/family.htm>.
