The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
ItÕs not something a doctor can diagnose or treat, but itÕs one of the biggest threats to menÕs health and well-being. Accidental injuries represent one of the leading causes of death and disability around the globe and, not surprisingly, men are the most often affected. Men are more likely than women to drown, get injured in a fall, be killed in a motor collision, suffer accidental poisoning, be injured by machinery and to suffer a head injury or spinal cord injury. Young men between the ages of 15 and 24 are the most likely to be injured because of their tendency to participate in risky activities. However, men of all ages are affected. Experts believe one of the reasons is that males are conditioned early in life to be risk-taking and aggressive. Men are also more likely to be in occupations that pose a higher risk of injury or death, such as agriculture, mining and construction. In 2002, 31,064 American men died in traffic accidents compared to 14,316 women. Men are three to four times more likely to suffer spinal cord injuries that lead to greater levels of disability. While American men hold 53.7 per cent of the jobs in the United States, they account for 92 per cent of workplace fatalities. Commonsense safety precautions could prevent countless injuries every year. Men can protect themselves on the road by wearing a seatbelt, keeping their speed down and not driving while sleepy or under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Following workplace safety guidelines and exercising good judgment can reduce injuries on the job. Precautions recommended by the Mayo Clinic to prevent falls and drowning include using a safety ladder, placing non-skid mats in baths and tubs and never swimming alone in a large or unfamiliar body of water. To reduce the risk of poisoning, ventilate areas where you use chemical products, install carbon monoxide and smoke detectors in your home, store household products in their original containers and display the number of the local poison control centre prominently in your home. Men who want to increase their life expectancy can start with some simple lifestyle measures: eat healthy foods, stay physically active, donÕt smoke and guard against accidents. But regardless of the health issue, itÕs apparent that one of the biggest challenges men face is simply going to the doctor to get checked out. One expert used a particularly effective analogy that may make sense to even the most stubborn guy: Getting the oil changed on your vehicle to keep it humming is a given. Imagine waiting for the engine to die before you got someone to look under the hood. Not likely. The same rule applies to regular preventative check-ups. Spouses having trouble getting their men to go see the doctor can also try some good old-fashioned labour negotiation methods. Go on strike with something that matters to him, such as cooking or sex. He may not be happy, but chances are he will make that appointment.
