25th September 2009

For most men, a GP means a dash down the motorway to Silverstone rather than a trip to the doctor’s surgery.

But according to Tiff Needell, hero of many a British Grand Prix, they are making a big mistake.

The Fifth Gear presenter is fronting a campaign to convince men that health MoTs are as important as fixing problems under the bonnet of their pride and joy.

He says: "We blokes should think of a visit to our GP as being as quick and simple as taking our car in for its annual check–up.

"We should listen to our bodies in the same way that we take notice of strange noises or performance issues with our cars – and seek expert advice as and when required."

He was commenting on research by drugmaker Pfizer that three million UK men ignore their health and have to be dragged kicking and screaming to the doctor.

It says that most men will go to almost any lengths to get out of talking to a healthcare professional, and will avoid a trip to the doctor as though their life depended on it.

Which it well might, says Tiff.

He is now backing Pfizer’s scheme to pilot online surgeries, which will allow men to seek advice from a panel of medical experts while watching motorsport from the comfort of their armchairs.

The scheme is based on findings that 85% of men who – would otherwise avoid the doctor like the plague – would welcome the chance to consult privately and confidentially on–line.

Copyright © Press Association 2009

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