Don’t let the title of this blog confuse you, this is a blog for men and women.
It’s #MensHealthWeek and to the men in our community, it’s time to get your health on track.
To the women reading this, it’s time to encourage the men and boys in your lives to get their health on track! Let’s be proactive in helping them.
Competing priorities, lack of time or the ‘she’ll be right’ attitude often stand in the way of men looking out for themselves. Or they simply don’t know where to start. Well, we’ve got you covered. Men, it’s time to grab your phone, read this blog, and book in your annual health checks!
First up - find a regular GP and make it official!
Did you know that not all diseases and health conditions have obvious symptoms? So regular check-ups are a must! Make your GP relationship status official and keep regular appointments as recommended by your doctor.
Below are some of the checks your GP will review with you:
Skin health checks
Do you pay close attention to your skin? Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. Skin cancer can occur at any age. The good news is that regular skin checks can help protect your health. Click here to find out how to check your skin for skin cancer. If you find any skin spots or moles that are concerning (unusual in shape, size or colour or if they itch), make an appointment with your GP.
Remember each time you are outdoors to Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek and Slide!
Dental health checks
Oral health is a very important part of your overall health. Keeping a healthy smile is more than just about teeth – it is an important part of your general health with poor oral health linked to diabetes, heart disease, stroke and respiratory conditions.
Regular checkups – roughly every six to 12 months - are the best way to find and treat early signs of decay or gum disease and keep a healthy mouth. You can help to prevent oral problems by following these tips:
- Brush twice a day with a small, soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste
- Choose healthy food and drinks that are low in sugar
- Drink plenty of tap water
- Quit smoking
- Wear a mouthguard when training for or playing contact sports.
Mental health and wellbeing checks
Taking care of your mental health and wellbeing is just as important as your physical health. Men, you are known for bottling things up, and not reaching out for support when you need it. If you have something on your mind, or are feeling distressed, anxious, or sad, take this mind quiz. It is confidential and will help you take the next steps to find support.
Support services:
- MensLine Australia provides phone and online counselling. Contact the helpline on 1300 78 99 78 or visit online here
- Beyond Blue provides an 24/7 phone counselling service 1300 22 4636 and an online chat service from 3pm to 12am, 7 days a week.
Get your body moving!
Prioritising your health and finding time to be active is important at any age, and the lifestyle we lead now can influence how healthy we are in the short and long term. Exercise plays a vital role in keeping us healthier, happier and alive for longer. Regular physical activity helps us all to maintain a healthy body weight and reduce the risk of many chronic health conditions and injuries.
It is always best to check in with your GP before starting any exercise program, particularly if you haven’t been overly active in the past. Do something today your future self will thank you for!
Reduce your alcohol and quit smoking!
The more you drink, the greater your risk of developing serious health concerns like diabetes. To reduce the risk of harm from alcohol-related disease or injury for healthy men, drink no more than 10 standard drinks per week and no more than four standard drinks on any one day. Take this quiz to find out more about your relationship with alcohol.
It has almost been 50 years since the first official warning against smoking. If you choose to quit smoking today, you are already reducing your risk of heart disease and cancer. We know it’s not as simple as that. Chat to your GP about your options or visit QUIT HQ to start working on your quit plan today!
Check yourself out - testicular health
Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in men between 20 and 35 years of age. There is currently no known way to screen for or prevent testicular cancer. Check yourself out by following this step-by-step guide.
Step 1
Stand in front of a mirror, and examine each testicle with both hands, gently rolling the testicle between thumb and forefinger to check for potential warning signs:
- A painless lump or swelling in either testicle
- A change in how the testicle feels
- An ache in the lower abdomen or groin
- A sudden build-up of fluid in the scrotum
- Pain or discomfort in a testicle or in the scrotum.
Step 2
If you notice changes or experience any of the above symptoms, talk to your GP as soon as you can. This is not one of those situations where you want to take a wait-and-see approach.
If you want to learn more about your testicles and testicular health, check out Queensland Health’s podcast episode ‘The Testicles’. Search for My Amazing Body in your podcast app, or listen on our website.
Sexual health
Talking about your sexual health can be awkward and uncomfortable. But it doesn’t need to be. We have a free, confidential service at your fingertips to get your reproductive and sexual health checked. For advice, information or to book an appointment call Kobi House on 4616 6446.
Incontinence
Not only is it #MensHealthWeek, it is also World Continence Week. Incontinence affects men and women. It is estimated 30 per cent of men who visit their GP are affected by incontinence, yet more than two thirds do not discuss the issue. This health issue can be cured or more effectively managed. To find out more, click here.
Bowel health checks
Did you know that up to 90 per cent of bowel cancers can be successful treated if they are detected early? It is important, at any age and stage of life, to pay attention to your bowel habits. If you notice any changes or have any concerns, raise it with your GP.
The National Bowel Cancer Screening Program (NBCSP) offers free bowel cancer detection kits to eligible people between the ages of 50 and 74 years (you’ll receive it in the mail.) All eligible people will be offered free testing every two years. Completing the test is quick and easy and you can do it at home. Just follow the instructions and then return your samples in the prepaid envelope supplied.
It’s time to take your health into your hands! You’ve got this!