At Belconnen Mall Medical Centre, improving men’s health is a top priority. Statistics reveal a significant health gap: a boy born in Australia in 2010 has a life expectancy of 78.0 years, while a baby girl can expect to live to 82.3 years. From the start, boys face higher rates of illness and accidents, leading to shorter lifespans. Alarmingly, men die by suicide at four times the rate of women, with accidents, cancer, and heart disease accounting for the majority of male deaths.
Recognizing that prevention is vital to improving men’s health outcomes, our doctors encourage regular check-ups, especially since men tend to visit their GPs less frequently than women.
Health Assessments for Ages 45-49
One key opportunity for proactive health management is the 45-49 health assessment, which is covered by Medicare. This comprehensive evaluation serves as a foundation for monitoring chronic conditions and can help identify health risks early. The consultation typically involves a 40-50 minutes appointment with the practice nurse to collect information, followed by a 20 minutes appointment with your regular GP for all necessary tests.
This assessment will include:
- Blood pressure assessment
- Heart health evaluation
- Blood sugar level test
- Height and weight measurement, including hip-to-waist ratio and BMI
- Testicular, prostate, and STD checks (if appropriate)
- Onsite urine analysis
- Expert advice on lifestyle choices, including smoking, alcohol, and drug use (if relevant)
- Referrals for additional tests, such as cholesterol checks, FBC, PSA, and more (if necessary)
During this assessment, our doctors will discuss lifestyle factors, perform necessary tests, and create a personalized health management plan.
Cancer Check: The team of doctors recommend regular screening for bowel cancer, including tests for blood in stools every two years starting at age 50, and colonoscopy for those with a family history. Men between 19 and 32 should perform regular testicular self-exams for early detection of testicular cancer. Discussions regarding prostate cancer screening, including PSA tests, should begin at age 50 or 40 for those with a family history.
Cholesterol Check: Maintaining healthy cholesterol levels is essential for reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke. A balanced diet and regular exercise can help. If you have concerns about your cholesterol, don’t hesitate to discuss them with our doctors.
Erectile Dysfunction: Affecting about one million men in Australia, erectile dysfunction can be a temporary issue or a sign of underlying health concerns. It’s important to address this with your GP to explore treatment options and understand any potential medical implications.
Depression: One in eight men experiences depression at some point in their lives. Symptoms may manifest as irritability, anger, or physical issues like fatigue. If you find yourself feeling down for an extended period, our doctors encourage you to discuss your feelings so they can provide the necessary support and interventions.
Heart Disease: Risk factors for heart disease can be significantly reduced through lifestyle changes, including quitting smoking, eating a nutritious diet, exercising regularly, and maintaining a healthy weight. Chronic conditions such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and diabetes should be managed effectively, and our doctors can help create a tailored chronic disease management plan.