6 Questions That Could Save Your Hubby’s Life

Men’s health is a funny thing: Men seldom go to the doctor—some statistics say they’re up to 70 percent less likely to see a physician than are women. As a result, male life expectancy is up to 6 years less than that of women, and the male cancer risk is one in two, versus one in three for women. Because he probably won’t go to the doctor, help your husband monitor his health by asking him these six questions. They could save his life.

How often do you check your blood pressure?
WHY ASK IT: According to the Centers for Disease Control, as many as 68 million American adults have high blood pressure. A BP screening is, according to physicians, one of the main tests men should undergo each year—and one they’re missing out on by skipping an annual physical.
HOW TO ASK IT: If you’re nervous he’ll fly off the handle—and raise both of your blood pressures—suggest the test at the drug store the next time you’re there, and suggest that you both give the cuff a go. By involving yourself in the test, it’s not nagging, and it’s not putting your husband on the spot. Explain that many people have high blood pressure, and the 30-second test will put your mind at ease.

Do you know how to check your testicles for cancer?
WHY ASK IT: Early detection iof testicular cancer is key, but many men don’t know what to look for. The American Cancer Society provides simple guidelines for self-screening that can be done at home without a doctor’s visit.
HOW TO ASK IT: Without embarrassing him, and so he knows it will make you feel better for him to self-screen. Instead of explaining the particulars yourself, consider pointing him to the American Cancer Society’s instructions for self-examination so he can approach the subject in a way that he finds comfortable.

Can we find out the best supplements for your long-term health?
WHY ASK IT: Because diet may not be enough, a few simple pills could improve his health, and it might get him to the doctor.
HOW TO ASK IT: Tell him you’re invested in your long-term health, but you want to make sure he’s taking the right stuff. For instance, research shows that supplements such as Omega-3 fatty acids may help reduce the risk of heart disease and reduce inflammation in the body. But he may not need more iron: Too much can actually increase some men’s risk of heart disease. A visit to the doctor can help him figure out what to take.

Could your snoring be a sign of a health problem?
WHY ASK IT: It’s not just annoying for you. Snorers could be at risk for obstructive sleep apnea, a condition that could strain his heart, cause chronic headaches or result in low oxygen levels in the blood.
HOW TO ASK IT: Assure him that it’s not about the snoring interrupting your sleep (especially if it really isn’t), but that you just want to be certain that the snoring isn’t a symptom of a bigger issue.

Are you exercising the right way?
WHY ASK: Because most guys are still doing the exercises they learned from their high school PE teacher, or they’ve given up strength training in favor of an all-cardio regimen. The older you get, the more muscle you lose: According to the American Council on Exercise, people aged 70 have only 50 to 55 percent of their muscle mass left, but can stem that tide with strength training.
HOW TO ASK: Appeal to his vanity, and join in. Getting him to see a doctor for recommendations on activity levels and durations—for both cardio and strength—can be a great segue into a few gifted sessions with a coach or personal trainer that you can share.

Do you have trouble sleeping?
WHY ASK: Chronic sleep loss can put you at greater risk for heart disease, stroke, diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart failure. It can kill your sex drive and lower testosterone levels. Oh, and it can make you grumpy. And depressed.
HOW TO ASK: Empathize with how stressful things can be, and how you both need better rest. Suggest he see a doctor, since it may help improve the quality of his sleep without having to increase the number of hours he’s in bed.