WHO SAYS?

Everyone. It’s a men’s health mantra.

HOW WRONG IS IT?

Very; it’s based on the idea that men use the health service less than women. But a previous MHM revealed that much of this apparent difference between the sexes is an illusion.

GIVE ME THE FACTS

Boys old and little seek medical help just as much as the girls. It’s only the 20 to 50-year-old males who steer clear of the doc. In this age group the vast majority of symptoms are harmless. Encouraging the slightly ill to book appointments could even cause harm: waiting times would rise and, besides, hospitals and surgeries are full of nasty germs.

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?

Ignore the trivial and focus on the important, such as chest pains or testicular lumps. And remember that the only routine health checks possibly worth fretting about – blood pressure and cholesterol – are available at the chemist.

LAST WORD

The more you go to the doctor, the iller you’re likely to be, or to become.

KEITH HOPCROFT, GP