NEW YORK, June 13, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Almost 70 percent of men find it easier to care for their cars than for their personal health, according to findings from a new survey of 501 men ages 45-65.  The survey was commissioned by Men's Health Network and Abbott (NYSE: ABT).  In addition, more than 40 percent reported they would be more likely to address issues with their car than their health.  As a result, some men may be ignoring the symptoms of certain health conditions because they are reluctant to visit the doctor, the survey found.  

The survey is part of the "T-Talk Tune-Up," a national campaign launched today by Men's Health Network and Abbott to raise awareness of men's health issues.  Racing champion Terry Labonte and national men's health expert Harry Fisch, M.D., are leading the campaign, which coincides with Men's Health Awareness Month.

"For many men, tuning up our cars is easier than getting checkups for our health," said Labonte.  "With the help of my wife, Kim, I began to think about my body and my health in the same way I think about the care of my cars.  As a result, I scheduled a doctor's appointment and a series of tests to help stay on top of my health."  

The survey also found that 28 percent of men do not visit the doctor regularly, and over 40 percent of their significant others surveyed reported they are worried about their spouse's or partner's health.  In fact, over half of the 501 women surveyed (56 percent) worry more about their spouse's or partner's health than their own.

Dr. Fisch recommends five health tests every man should discuss with his doctor, including a testicular exam, prostate exam, cholesterol test, testosterone test and blood pressure screening.  "It is important to schedule annual checkups because some men may not recognize the symptoms of many treatable conditions such as low testosterone when they are experiencing symptoms," said Dr. Fisch, board certified urologist and clinical professor of medicine at New York Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical College and director of the Male Reproductive Center.  

Millions of American men are estimated to have low testosterone, but it may be overlooked because the symptoms are subtle and similar to those caused by other conditions.  Men may experience symptoms such as sexual dysfunction, decreased sexual desire, decreased muscle mass, loss of body hair, low sperm count, decreased bone mineral density, or increased body fat as a result of having low testosterone.

"Men's Health Network is dedicated to raising awareness of men's health and encouraging men to proactively address health conditions like low testosterone," said Scott Williams, vice president, Men's Health Network.

To learn more about the importance of men's health visit www.TTalkTuneUp.com.  The site provides men tips for caring for their cars and their bodies, including a free health maintenance guide.  The guide includes information on important tests guys should know about and tips from Dr. Fisch to help keep their bodies running as smoothly as their cars.

About the Survey

Abbott and Men's Health Network commissioned Yankelovich Inc., a division of the Futures Company, to conduct a national survey to assess men's and women's knowledge of common men's health issues and gain insight into men's understanding of their health as it relates to car care.  

A survey of 501 men ages 45-65 and 501 of their spouses/significant others was fielded to determine just how proactive men are when it comes to their health.  Findings are based on an online survey conducted between May 19-23, 2011, among a total sample of 1,002 men and women.

About Men's Health Network

Men's Health Network (MHN) is a national non-profit organization whose mission is to reach men and their families where they live, work, play, and pray with health prevention messages and tools, screening programs, educational materials, advocacy opportunities, and patient navigation.  MHN worked with Members of Congress to create Men's Health Month, held each year in June.  This year, MHN is proud to be supporting the T-Talk Tune-Up campaign during Men's Health Month and helping to educate all men that regular checkups are important for overall health.

For more information on Men's Health Network or Men's Health Month, please visit http://www.menshealthnetwork.org/.

About Abbott

Abbott is a global, broad-based health care company devoted to the discovery, development, manufacture and marketing of pharmaceuticals and medical products, including nutritionals, devices and diagnostics.  The company employs nearly 90,000 people and markets its products in more than 130 countries.

Abbott's news releases and other information are available on the company's website at www.abbott.com.

SOURCE Abbott