Every day in Australia, 50 men die from preventable causes.

So what can you do to avoid becoming a statistic? Health checks are a fantastic way to keep an eye on your health and seek more information early on if you think something isn’t right. The following page contain information on physical health support services and your very own men’s health check.

Physical & Sexual Health

‘I never went to see my GP, I figured I am a young guy, reasonably fit and health issues are for old blokes! A while back I developed a cough that I just couldn’t shake. Eventually I gave in and went to see the GP. Turns out I am pretty crook and will need to take time off work for a while to get better. I am going to be ok but its going to impact my life for quite a while. I just wish I had seen the GP earlier, before it all got so bad’

– Timothy 27

Health Prompt

Physical Health

Are you currently up to date with all the relevant physical health checks recommended for your age and background?

Did you know there are a whole range of health checks dependant on your age, background, health/family history etc. These include:

• Bowel Cancer Screening
• Heart Health
• Prostate Cancer Screening
• Bone Density
• Skin Cancer Screening

Have a chat to your GP about what screening and checks are relevant for you.

Mental Health

Did you know that 1 in 2 men will have a significant mental health issue at some point in their lives?

Having someone you can discuss any mental health concerns with is a great way to keep track of how your mental health is going. A GP has access to several simple mental health questionnaires, like a K10, that can help them, and you, gauge how you are feeling. These can be done regularly to track how you are doing.

And remember, not all mental health challenges result in a diagnosis or medication, there are many interventions you can use, to help get you back on track and feeling mentally well.

Wellbeing

50 men in Australia die each day from preventable causes. That’s around 18,000 men a year.

Health checks and GP check in’s are the first step to keeping an eye on how you are doing. But remember, there is a lot you can do at home too!

Healthy eating, exercise and social connection are 3 great tools to support your overall wellbeing. They have been proven to have positive short and long term impacts on physical, sexual and mental health.

If you are struggling to find the motivation, try a men’s group in your area!

Health Check Questionnaire

Your GP is a great resource to get a preventative health check or to talk with about any symptoms you might actually be currently experiencing. Please complete the following questionnaire and if you answer No to any of the questions we encourage you to make an appointment with your GP.

Have you…

• Had your blood pressure measured in the last 6 months?  Y / N

• Had your cholesterol levels measured in the last 12 months?  Y / N

• Had your blood sugar measured in the last 12 months?  Y / N

• Had your skin checked in the last 12 months?  Y / N

If you are over 50…

• Have you spoken to your GP about bowel health?  Y / N

• Have you spoken to your GP about prostate health?  Y / N

Do you?…

• Get 7-9 hours of sleep per night?  Y / N
• Try for moderate-intensity exercise for 30mins at least 3x a week?  Y / N
• Eat 5 serves of vegetables and 2 serves of fruit daily?  Y / N

Consider having a chat with your GP if…

• You have any physical or mental health symptoms that are worrying you
• You are worried about your alcohol, cigarette or drug use
• You need to make some lifestyle changes but aren’t sure where to start

Did you know?

• 70% of Australian men are overweight or obese.

• Skin cancer is the most common cancer in men aged 18-39.

• 1 in 2 men will have a significant mental health issue at some point in their life.

Many health issues are preventable if you seek help early. For more information on all things Men’s Health, check out www.healthymale.org.au