Men’s HealthDr Alan Wright

Men’s HealthMen don’t visit the doctor

Men’s HealthMen don’t visit the doctor

Or do they?

The Beach Study

“In April 2013 to March 2014 about 85% of the population had one or more Medicare-paid GP service (personal communication, Department of Health [DoH], August 2014) and an average of 6.8 services each (5.8 GP visits per head of population). Medicare paid rebates for about 133.4 million GP service items3 – 2.57 million GP–patient encounters per week.”

AFP Volume 44, No.6, 2015 Pages 411-414

MATeS StudyDescribed the prevalence of self-reported

reproductive health disorders among middle aged and older Australian men.

34% of respondents reported one or more reproductive health problems

The Lancet Vol 366 16 July 2005, 218-224

MATeS StudyAttendance on GP in past 12 months

All Ages: 88%40 - 49: 81%50 - 59: 87%60 - 69: 91%>= 70: 98%

So What’s Killing Men?Common beliefs:

1. You’re all going to die from prostate cancer!!

2. You’re all going to die from Diabetes!!

3. You’re all going to die from Bowel Cancer!!

So What’s Killing Men?Common beliefs:

1. You’re all going to die from prostate cancer!!

2. You’re all going to die from Diabetes!!

3. You’re all going to die from Bowel Cancer!!

Or are you?

Causes of Death AIHW 2012

Causes of Death by Age

Men’s HealthSo what can You do about it?

Men’s HealthSo what can You do about it?

1. Assess Your Risk Factors.

Men’s HealthSo what can You do about it?

1. Assess Your Risk Factors.

2. Address Your Risk Factors.

Men’s HealthSmoking

Nutrition

Alcohol

Physical Activity

SmokingJust Stop

There are many ways to give up smoking. Try them until you find one that works.

NutritionMEDITERRANEAN DIET

↓ Calories

↓ Meat

↑ Fish and poultry

Olive oil

Nuts

Shai R D, NEJM 2008

AlcoholSafe limits for Men:

3 Standard drinks per day up to 15 standard drinks per week.

At least 2 alcohol free days per week.

No more than 5 standard drinks at any one sitting.

Physical ExerciseFind 30 minutes 5 times a week.

Finding 60 minutes is better.

Over 50 years of age, walking is good, so is swimming.

Don’t “bust a gut” or hurt yourself.

Enjoy it.

Speak to your doctor

Men’s HealthVisit your GP at least annually for a check up to find the things you can’t.

Ask For:

Heart Check

Lung Check.

Diabetes Check

Bowel Check

Prostate Check.