REGULAR HEALTH CHECK UPS

FOR MEN

MEN'S HEALTH CHECK UPS

Men should have regular health check ups, they can help you stay healthy and you can use the appointment to talk about any concerns so that your GP can pick up early warning signs of disease or illness. Screening tests may help your doctor to detect diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and some cancers in their early stages. If you are at high risk of a particular disease, get tested for that disease regularly regardless of your age.

At your health check your doctor will discuss your medical history, your family’s history of disease and your lifestyle. He or she will also talk to you about your diet, your weight, how much you exercise and whether you smoke or drink.

If you have high risk factors, it may be more likely that you will develop a particular disease. Regular check-ups may help your doctor pick up early warning signs. For example, high blood pressure may be an early warning sign of cardiovascular disease.

Book an appointment with a GP at Westridge Medical for a Men’s Health Check.

HEALTH CHECK UPS FROM HOME

Make health checks and keeping well part of your regular routine. A few things you can do at home include:

Skin Checks – check your skin regularly for unusual moles or freckles and look for any changes in the colour, size or shape of any spots. See your doctor if you notice anything unusual.
Dental Care – reduce your risk of tooth decay, gum disease and tooth loss by cleaning your teeth regularly and eating a low-sugar diet. Visit the dentist at least once a year for a dental examination and a clean.
testicular self-examination – from puberty onwards, check your testicles regularly for unusual thickenings or lumps. See your doctor if you are concerned.

HEART HEALTH CHECKS FOR MEN

If you have certain risk factors for heart disease you may need these regular checks:

Blood Pressure Checks
Blood Tests – to check cholesterol levels and triglyceride levels
Obesity Tests – being overweight is a significant risk factor for many health conditions including heart disease and diabetes. Your doctor can check your body mass index and weight measurements.
Electrocardiogram (ECG) – this painless non invasive medical test measures the electrical activity generated by the heart as it contracts. Your doctor may recommend an ECG depending on your symptoms, medical history and individual risk factors. Tell your doctor if you have an irregular heart beat.

DIABETES CHECKS FOR MEN

Depending on your risk level, you may need to be tested annually or once every three years. Be advised by your doctor. Your doctor may recommend that you be tested for type 2 diabetes if you have any of the following type 2 diabetes risk factors:

Pre-diabetes
Family History of Diabetes
Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, Pacific Islander, Maori, Asian, Middle Eastern, North African or Southern European background
Aged 45 and over and obese or overweight, with high blood pressure or have a first-degree relative with type 2 diabetes
Cardiovascular disease
Aged 55 or over
On antipsychotic medication or corticosteroid medication
Overweight or obese
Sedentary lifestyle – low levels of physical activity
Unhealthy eating habits
Cigarette smoking.

PROSTATE CANCER SCREENING

Discuss the pros and cons of having a test for prostate cancer with your doctor. If you’re between the ages of 50 and 70, a prostate specific antigen (PSA) test may be appropriate depending on:

Your general health
Your level of concern
Any symptoms you have
Any risk factors (such as a family history).

If the PSA test result is high it may lead to other tests.

BOWEL CANCER SCREENING FOR MEN

Bowel cancer screening can help detect early signs of bowel cancer before symptoms develop. Through the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program, eligible people aged 45 to 74 can access a free screening test every two years.

People aged 45 to 49 can request their first free kit, while people aged 50 to 74 are generally sent a kit in the mail. If you have symptoms, a family history of bowel cancer or other risk factors, speak with your doctor about the screening and investigations appropriate for you.

EYE-TESTING SCHEDULE

Regular eye examinations can help identify changes in vision and certain eye conditions. How often you should have an eye examination will depend on your age, vision, medical history, symptoms and individual risk factors. Your doctor or optometrist can advise how frequently you should be tested.

You might need to be tested more often if you have certain risk factors, such as:

Family History of eye disease
Personal History of eye disease or injury
Certain Medical Conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes
Taking Certain Medicines
Smoking.

BONE DENSITY TEST FOR MEN

A bone density test can help to determine the health of your bones. Your doctor may recommend a bone density test based on your age, medical history and individual risk factors. Bone density testing is most often used when people have:

Previously diagnosed osteoporosis
Osteopaenia (decreased bone density)
a History of long-term use of corticosteroid medication
Poor nutrition
Inadequate amounts of dietary calcium
Low vitamin D levels
Alcohol intake of more than two standard drinks per day
Caffeine intake of more than three cups of coffee or equivalent per day
Lack of physical activity
Chronic kidney or liver disease
Thyroid disease or an overactive thyroid gland
Chronic bone pain particularly spinal pain
a Previous fracture.

OTHER HEALTH TESTS FOR MEN

Your health check-up may include discussion about other health concerns, such as:

any Unusual Symptoms you are having
your Immunisation Status
Alcohol and Drug issues
Mental Health Concerns such as Depression or Anxiety
Erectile Dysfunction or other Sexual Problems
Sexual Health and Sexually Transmissible Infections
Reproductive Health, including Preconception Health
Injuries
Relationship Problems.

Shop 15, Westridge Shopping Centre, 300 West Street

07 4636 6884