Men have specific health needs that require attention at various points throughout their lifetime. Unfortunately, many Australian men do not take the time required to take care of themselves by visiting the GP as often as they should. Many deny feeling unwell and would prefer to ‘shrug it off’ rather than talk about it with their doctor.
It might be time you had a general check-up. Between 45 and 64 years of age is prime time for determining patient risk factors and offering screening for health conditions. Mental wellbeing is just as important as physical problems, and they can occur at the same time. Planned health checks in general practice of middle-aged adults have been demonstrated to improve the management of smoking, nutrition, alcohol, and physical activity (SNAP) behavioural risk factors, screening for bowel cancer, and hyperlipidaemia (high cholesterol).
Additional areas that may be addressed during a men’s health check include:
- skin checks;
- mental health;
- diabetes risk assessment;
- erectile/ sexual dysfunction; and
- prostate checks.
Useful Men’s Health resources can be found at https://www.healthymale.org.au/
