NGM Thoughts 21: Doctor’s Appointments

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 five 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 until it’s too late.

My girlfriend’s father didn’t see the doctor until he had stage four 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.


Written by Next Gen Men Co-Founder Jake Stika as part of a personal challenge to share some of our reflections around what it means to be a better man in today’s day and age. Join us every Friday for NGM Thoughts.