Mens Health

Improving Men's Health: Prioritising Well-Being and Preventive Care

Men often struggle with unique health challenges that require attention and care. Therefore, it is essential to prioritise men's health by raising awareness, providing comprehensive healthcare services, and encouraging preventive care measures.

One crucial aspect of men's health revolves around encouraging regular check-ups and preventive care screenings. Regular screenings for conditions such as prostate cancer, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes are instrumental in detecting issues early on and implementing necessary interventions.

The doctors who consult from Station Street Clinic are well equipped to take care of a wide range of men’s health issues – from diagnosis and prevention to treatment and supportive care. This may include but not limited to;

• Bowel cancer screening – 1 in 11 Australian men are likely to develop bowel cancer once in their lifetime, but it is still one of the most preventable forms of cancer. It might be possible to not notice any symptoms in the early stages of the disease, however, keep an eye on symptoms like persistent change in bowel habits, rectal bleeding unexplained weight loss. Based on your medical history and general health, your GP will recommend when to start screenings for bowel cancer and how often you must do them.

• Prostate cancer screening – Prostate cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in men, with over 19,000 new cases diagnosed every year in Australia. There are no accurate screening tests available, which is why early detection is your best chance to prevent and manage prostate cancer.

• Mental health plans – One in 8 men experiences depression at some stage of their life. Men are more likely to recognise and describe the physical symptoms of depression (such as feeling tired or losing weight) than women. Men may also report feeling irritable or angry, rather than saying they feel low.

  Depression isn’t just about feeling sad or frustrated. To clarify, it’s about feeling out of control, powerless to handle emotions and unable to see a way out. It can affect anyone at any age. Moreover, it can be triggered by many things that go wrong in our lives. A man might also lose interest in work, sport, sex, going out or other things he might previously have enjoyed.

  If you don’t feel right, speak to your GP. They will prepare a Mental Health Treatment Plan after assessing your physical and mental wellbeing. Through the plan, they will identify the best resources to help you get better, and feel better.

• Heart health check – Men needs more frequent heart health checks than women. If you have any heart health risks, then we recommend getting your blood pressure, blood cholesterol and ECG (Electrocardiogram) done regularly.

• Diabetes check for men – If you have pre-diabetes, family history of diabetes, being aged 45 and above and obese, then depending on your risk levels, be advised by your GP on how often a blood glucose test is required and how you can manage a healthy level.

• Sexual health and STIs Screening – Although safe sex reduces the transmission of STIs, regular testing is the best way to take charge of your sexual health.