Men’s Health and the Health Checks Men Should Not Ignore
Men’s health covers much more than treating an illness when it appears. Regular GP visits can help men talk about health concerns, review risk factors and understand which checks may be suitable for them. The Australian Government recommends that men visit their GP regularly to discuss their health and any concerns they may have. Health checks can also help identify health risks that may need further attention. For men in Tiaro and nearby communities, having an ongoing relationship with a local GP can make it easier to talk about health concerns at different stages of life. Why Men’s Health Needs Regular Attention Many men are busy with work, family and other responsibilities. It can be easy to put a medical appointment off when there are no obvious symptoms. However, some health conditions can develop without clear warning signs. Regular health discussions with a GP can include: Blood pressure Cholesterol Blood sugar and diabetes risk Weight and lifestyle factors Heart health Mental health Skin concerns Sexual health Prostate health Bowel health Smoking and alcohol use Family history The checks discussed during an appointment will depend on your age, medical history, symptoms and risk factors. The Australian Government also provides health screening opportunities for men, including certain Medicare health assessments and bowel cancer screening. Common Men’s Health Concerns Men’s health can change throughout life. What needs to be discussed at 25 may be different from what needs to be reviewed at 45 or 65. Some common areas include the following. Heart Health Heart health is an important part of men’s health. Your GP may ask about blood pressure, cholesterol, smoking, physical activity, weight, diabetes and family history. If you have symptoms such as chest discomfort, shortness of breath or unusual tiredness, speak with a healthcare professional. Depending on your symptoms and risk factors, your GP may recommend further assessment or referral. Diabetes Risk Type 2 diabetes can be linked with several risk factors, including age, family history, weight and lifestyle factors. Your GP can discuss whether you may need a diabetes risk assessment or blood tests. Health assessments are also available under specific Medicare eligibility rules for some people at risk of chronic disease. Mental Health Mental health is another important part of men’s health. Stress, low mood, anxiety, changes in sleep and difficulty managing everyday activities can affect a person’s wellbeing. Some men may find it difficult to talk about these concerns. Speaking with a GP can be a starting point for discussing what is happening and what support may be appropriate. Healthdirect also provides information about areas of men’s health, including depression, anger management and sexual health. Sexual and Reproductive Health Sexual health is part of general health. Men may have concerns about: Sexual function Fertility Sexually transmitted infections Changes in sexual health Testicular concerns You do not need to wait until a problem becomes severe before discussing it with your GP. A GP can take your medical history, discuss your concerns and advise whether examination or further testing is appropriate. Prostate Health Prostate health becomes a more common topic as men get older. Not every man needs the same prostate tests. Your GP can discuss your age, symptoms, family history and other factors before considering whether testing is appropriate. Healthdirect recommends discussing prostate cancer screening with your doctor, as screening decisions can vary between individuals. Skin Health Australia has high levels of sun exposure, making skin health an important topic for many Australians. Men who spend a lot of time outdoors may have additional exposure to the sun through work, sport or other activities. If you notice a new or changing spot, or have a skin concern, speak with your GP. Your doctor can assess the area and advise whether further investigation is needed. What Should Men Ask Their GP About? A men’s health appointment does not need to be complicated. You can start by talking about anything that has changed or is worrying you. Some useful questions include: Are there any health checks I should consider at my age? Should I check my blood pressure or cholesterol? Do I have any risk factors for diabetes? Should I have any cancer screening tests? Does my family history affect my health risks? Are there any symptoms I should keep an eye on? Is there anything I should change about my current lifestyle? Do I need any follow-up tests? There is no single list of tests that every man needs. Your GP can help decide what is appropriate based on your individual circumstances. Men’s Health in Your 40s and Beyond Your health needs can change as you get older. For example, healthdirect notes that people in their 40s may need to discuss areas such as blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes risk, skin cancer checks and heart disease risk with their doctor. For some men aged 45 to 49 who are at risk of developing chronic disease, a Medicare health assessment may be available if eligibility requirements are met. The important point is that age alone does not determine which tests you need. Your doctor may consider: Your age Family history Existing medical conditions Medications Lifestyle Symptoms Previous test results Personal health concerns When Should You Speak With a GP? You should consider speaking with a GP if you notice a health change that concerns you. This may include: Ongoing tiredness Changes in weight Changes in sleep Changes in mood Problems with sexual health Changes in urination Persistent pain New skin changes Changes in bowel habits Concerns about blood pressure or cholesterol If you experience sudden or severe symptoms, seek urgent medical care. Men’s Health at Bopple Surgery Men’s health is one of the areas of care available at Bopple Surgery in Tiaro. Dr Qaisar Bashir has a special interest in men’s health, along with areas including mental health, skin cancer medicine and surgery, diabetes management, weight management and medicinal cannabis. If you have a concern about your health, you can discuss it with your GP and find out whether an examination,