Why Men Wait: A Candid Conversation About Preventive Healthcare
- PWT Best Together
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
During Men’s Health Month, Dr. Kimberly F. Jackson and Physicians Working Together board member Harry Tatum sat down for an honest conversation about a question that affects men and families everywhere: Why do so many men wait until something is seriously wrong before seeking medical care?
Men’s Health Month may have created the opportunity to begin the conversation, but the topic is not limited to June. Men’s health matters every day, and preventive care should remain a priority throughout the year.
What Keeps Men From Going to the Doctor?
For some men, avoiding the doctor may be connected to fear, limited time, concerns about privacy, previous healthcare experiences, or the belief that seeking help is a sign of weakness.
Others may feel healthy and assume that an appointment is unnecessary when no symptoms are present. Unfortunately, waiting for noticeable symptoms can sometimes mean waiting until a health concern has become more difficult to manage.
Dr. Jackson and Tatum explore these barriers from both medical and personal perspectives. Their conversation examines how pride, culture, family influence, trust, and past experiences can shape the way men approach healthcare.
Preventive Care Should Not Begin With a Crisis
Routine medical visits give physicians an opportunity to review a patient’s health history, evaluate risk factors, recommend appropriate screenings, and identify changes that may require attention.
Preventive care also gives men a place to ask questions about physical symptoms, emotional health, stress, sleep, nutrition, sexual health, family history, and the pressures they may carry without discussing them openly. The purpose of preventive care is not to create fear. It is to give men the information and support they need to make informed decisions before a concern becomes an emergency.
Creating Space for Honest Conversations
Healthcare works best when patients feel respected, heard, and comfortable speaking honestly.
Dr. Jackson brings the perspective of a board-certified family medicine physician and longtime community health leader. Tatum adds the perspective of a man, advocate, and Physicians Working Together board member who understands how personal experience and trust can influence healthcare decisions.
Together, they reinforce an important message: taking care of your health is an act of responsibility.
Men’s Health Matters Every Day
Men’s Health Month may be over, but the conversation should continue.
Watch the full episode to hear Dr. Kimberly F. Jackson and Harry Tatum discuss why men delay care, how families can provide meaningful encouragement, and what men can do to become stronger advocates for their own health.
Share the conversation with a father, husband, brother, son, friend, or colleague. One honest discussion may be the encouragement someone needs to schedule the appointment they have been putting off.
This content is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult a qualified healthcare professional regarding personal health concerns.
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