Listen up, wives! The next time your husband asks you to stop nagging him to go to the doctor, tell him to thank you instead. Studies show that married people tend to be healthier than singles, but husbands get the most health benefits. In fact, a 2000 study from the University of Chicago found that when married women work more than 40 hours a week, their husbands' health suffers because married men are not in the habit of watching out for their own health. So, how can you get the man in your life to take an interest in his own health? Here are some suggestions.

  A survey sponsored by Men's Health magazine found that 25% of men said they lie to their doctors, because they are afraid the doctor will get mad, they are afraid of bad news or they're just embarrassed. If your husband is uncomfortable with doctor visits, he'll be less likely to ask questions, point out symptoms or push for tests. Help your husband find a doctor he can trust and with whom he can feel at ease. Would he feel more comfortable with a male or female doctor? Would he like to see the same family physician you see? Ask male friends and relatives for recommendations. When he has an appointment, help him write a list of questions for the doctor.

  Your husband is more likely to recognize health problems and symptoms if he knows what they are — but as studies show, men don't seek out health information. Share health information that you've found. Learn the signs and symptoms of common male health problems and encourage your husband to be aware of them. What are the signs of heart disease? What are the symptoms of testicular cancer? What does skin cancer look like? 

  Most diseases have risk factors and recommended screening guidelines. Find out how often your husband should be screened for prostate cancer and colon cancer and let him know. Encourage your husband to compile a family health history that can clue him in to his genetic risks for certain diseases. 

  According to the Americans Changing Lives survey, conducted by the University of Michigan, wives were more likely than husbands to remind their spouses to get enough sleep, take medicine or exercise. By adopting a healthful lifestyle for the whole family including an organized exercise routine and healthful diet, it's easier for your husband to focus on health. Find a workout program that you and your husband or your whole family can enjoy together. If you do most of the shopping and cooking, make low-fat meals and help change your husband's and your family's eating habits. New habits are easier to form when they're made together.

  For more information about men's health issues, visit with your family physician.