MEN'S capacity to turn the average cold into manflu' is well known, like his talent for swearing blind that a self-induced hangover is an innocent headache, as well as his morbid fear that even a tweaked muscle may permanently end his sporting' career.

But, strangely, this species is also notoriously unwilling to check out the mysterious, but genuine, aches and pains that may be early warning signals of real health problems.

Although there are signs that health is moving up men's agenda of priorities they can still be "doctor dodgers" according to Dan Jones, features editor of Men's Health magazine.

"Many men tend to rely on the optimistic theory that if they don't get something checked out it will probably go away, or clear up of its own accord."

He also points out that while many men worry about getting a "graphic cancer" like testicular, in reality they may be more at risk from stroke - a quarter of strokes happen to those under the age of 55.

Monitoring their own health - like regularly examining themselves for signs of testicular cancer - and having regular medical check ups are both sensible precautions.

But undergoing tests to see whether they're suffering from common conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure could not only help safeguard their health, but even save their lives.

Here's some top tips on how blokes can get the best out of a doctor's appointment.

Get the best out of your appointment with a GP by speaking GP-Nese.

Say what you can't do.

"If you've had to alter your lifestyle, knowing that will quickly add to your doctor's understanding of your problem and its urgency," says Dr Cam Patterson of the University of North Carolina.

This doesn't include revealing your DIY or IT problems.

Bring your diary. Listing the exact timing and duration of your symptoms can make a huge difference in a GP deciding which treatment to administer says Dr Ayan Panja, a GP and expert on BBC One's Street Doctor.

Rate your symptoms. Help the doctor feel your pain - without hitting him.

"Giving your pain a severity score provides your doctor with a more accurate idea of how it feels," says Dr Sarah Jarvis, a London-based GP and Fellow of the Royal College of General Practitioners.

"We also like a bit of descriptive prose when it comes to pain too - so is it a burning, stabbing or dull aching pain?"

If the pain goes to 11, it's still not OK to hit him.

Go in the morning. Like everyone else, GPs are at their sharpest in the morning.

"Avoid afternoons because if things are over-running your GP will be pressured to get through patients quicker," says Dr Jarvis.