For Men’s Health Week, Pharmacy2U found that research revealed that an estimated 14.7 million men in Britain don't go to the doctor even when they suffer worrying symptoms. The study showed that a quarter of men think they can fix the problem themselves, one in eight men feel too embarrassed to see a doctor and one in ten say they are too anxious to talk about their symptoms. Three in ten men are also currently hiding conditions from their family.
In light of this, Pharmacy2U joined forces with football favourite Chris ‘Kammy’ Kamara to encourage families to talk more openly together about their health. Kammy was recently diagnosed with Hypothyroidism (Underactive Thyroid Disease) after suffering with and failing to check symptoms for nearly two years.
You can watch the video of him and his son Jack (aged 32) discussing the importance of health here:
The research revealed that an estimated 27.8 million Brits may be suffering with undiagnosed symptoms in the UK, with 42% ignoring them in the hope they go away. Over a quarter of Brits said they don’t want to burden their GP, one in eight said they don’t feel ready to deal with their symptoms, and estimated 3.9 million people admitted they are scared that talking about their symptoms will make illness fears come true.
The age group of 45-to-54-years-old is most likely to avoid seeking medical attention. Chris Kamara, aged 63, is amongst the age group of 55+ which came in second, followed by 35 to 44 years and 25 to 34 years. Over one in four Brits admitted they don’t know how to talk about their health worries, with three in ten currently hiding conditions from their friends and family. Two thirds say they have googled symptoms and one third try to find reassurance online.
Men in the UK find it hardest to open up to their friends and family (43%, compared to women 38%) with 64% of these not wanting to add to their loved ones worries. The research reveals 24% of Brits would go to their parents for health advice, compared to just 13% of parents who would talk to their children.
Chris Kamara commented “I suffered for nearly two years with my symptoms of an underactive thyroid. I was guilty of ignoring the symptoms in the hope they would go away. I’m really glad I finally sought medical advice after speaking to my family and would encourage anyone else suffering in silence with any concerns or symptoms to do the same.”
Pharmacy2U dispenses over 6.3 million repeat medicines a year to men over the age of 60, with depression and anxiety, high cholesterol, indigestion and heartburn, stomach ulcers, high blood pressure and angina the most common conditions for a repeat prescription. One in ten men in the study say they have a repeat prescription from the doctor that they haven’t collected, with 21% not knowing they could get them delivered to their doors for free.
Encouragingly 45% of Brits feel that they have taken more time in the last 12 months to proactively manage their health, with one in three saying this has positively changed because of lockdown. 43% now watch what they eat more, 24% monitor their health using digital apps and devices, and 21% get their blood pressure tested more regularly.
Phil Day, superintendent pharmacist at Pharmacy2U, commented: “With lockdown rules changing, and many prioritising catching up with family and friends, it’s important to remember to look after your health too. Onerous life admin tasks like reordering your prescription or booking a doctors appointment take up much less time now thanks to apps and technology. Put yourself first, get checked out, get your prescriptions automatically sent to your door, and get on with enjoying life.”
Pharmacy2U takes the stress out of your repeat prescriptions delivering your medication straight to your door for free. We’ll even send you handy reminders when it's time to reorder so you never miss out on the medication you need.
