HHS HealthBeat (May 27, 2008)

Should real men wear gowns?

From the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, I’m Tishia Humes with HHS HealthBeat.

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality feels they should, as long as they’re the kind they’d wear when they see the doctor.

The “Real Men Wear Gowns” campaign launched by AHRQ and The Ad Council stresses the importance of men over 40 getting get preventive medical tests. AHRQ says men are 25 percent less likely than women to visit a doctor but are one and a half times more likely to die from heart disease, cancer and lung diseases. Preventive tests can find problems early when they’re easier to treat or manage.

AHRQ Director Dr. Carolyn Clancy:

“I hope this campaign will get more men to seek preventive health care, and not just visit the doctor when they feel sick or have symptoms.” (7 seconds)

Men who take care of their health are the “real” men.

Learn more at hhs.gov.

HHS HealthBeat is a production of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. I’m Tishia Humes.

Last revised: May, 27 2008