A to-do list for Men's Health Week

By Dr Michael Hanson, of Bulli Medical Practice

Men’s Health Week is celebrated in mid June. It is a chance for our community to reflect on the different health needs of men who, on many measures, have poorer health than women.

In Australia, men die from coronary artery disease and lung cancer at twice the rate of women. Men’s rate of hazardous alcohol consumption is twice that of women. Men suicide at four times the rate of women and men are killed in motor vehicle accidents at three times the rate of women.

There are many reasons men should visit their GPs at least annually. For physical issues like blood pressure checks, health screening and optimising a healthy lifestyle. Men also need to develop a trusted relationship with their GPs and seek help when problems arise.

Health Care Assessments

Men aged 45 to 49 who are at risk of developing chronic disease and all men over 75 years can have comprehensive health assessments with their GP and practice nurse. These are funded by Medicare and incur no out-of-pocket expenses.