#NGMThoughts 21: Doctor’s Appt.

When was the last time you went to the doctor?

I’ve been dealing with some discomfort/annoyance/irritation with my digestion for a while now. My gut reaction (pun intended) was to tough it out, focus on my diet, drink less, and hope it passes. Likely it’s stress related, but who knows.

Yesterday I went to see my general practitioner, today I had some blood work done, and next week I’ll be headed back for some additional tests.

My girlfriend expressed to me how grateful she was that I went to see someone. That I talk about my mental health. That I give a damn about myself, because to her that means I give a damn about her.

Did you know men die on average 5 years earlier than women? This is for a multitude of reasons including increased risk seeking behaviours, but a major contributor is a lack of health seeking behaviours. Often men don’t go to the doctor; til it’s too late.

My girlfriend’s father didn’t see the doctor until he had stage 4 cancer on his tongue. Sadly, I will never meet the man because he’s no longer with us.

Giving a damn about yourself = giving a damn about others.

Don’t be selfish. Make a doctor’s appointment.

Thoughts of a Next Gen Man…

• Jake on behalf of NGM

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