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Your Health Is Important

Men’s Health Check-Ups

Prioritise Your Health with Regular Check-Ups

Yep, you're a MAN! And statistically men are less inclined to get medical care when they need it. We don't want you to be a statistic. We are committed to providing you relevant and appropriate care at every stage of your life. We understand the challenges you face as time goes by and aim to be by your side to support your health needs.

We understand the importance of staying on top of your health. Regular check-ups are crucial for maintaining well-being and identifying early signs of diseases or illnesses that may not present symptoms initially. Many health conditions can develop slowly over time, making it vital to catch them early through routine screenings.

Even if you don’t visit a GP regularly, these are the important checks and tests that you shouldn’t miss.

Health Check-ups at Home

Staying on top of your health doesn’t just happen at the doctor’s office—it starts at home. Regular self-checks can help you catch potential issues early and maintain overall well-being. Here are a few key areas to focus on:

Skin Checks: Regularly examine your skin for unusual moles or freckles. Look for changes in colour, size, or shape of any spots. See your doctor if you notice anything unusual.

Dental Care: Brush your teeth regularly and maintain a low-sugar diet. Reduce your risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and tooth loss. Visit the dentist at least once a year for a check-up and clean.

Testicular Self-Examination: Starting from puberty, check your testicles regularly for unusual thickenings or lumps. Consult your doctor if you have any concerns.

Men’s Full Check Up

(Ages 45-49)

If you’re over the age of 45 then it is a good idea to get full health check-up by your GP. Covered by Medicare, this highly important screening aids in minimising the risk of developing chronic disease.

During a men’s health check, your GP will:

  • Review your medical history
  • Discuss your family history of diseases
  • Evaluate your lifestyle, including diet, weight, and exercise frequency
  • Address habits such as smoking or drinking

By assessing these factors, we can identify any high-risk conditions you might be prone to. Regular check-ups enable us to detect early warning signs, providing you with the best chance to manage your health proactively.

Diabetes Checks

Your doctor may advise you to get tested for diabetes annually or every 3 years depending on your risk level. If you have any of these type 2 diabetes risk factors your GP may recommend for you to get tested.

  • Pre-diabetes
  • Family history of type 2 diabetes
  • Age (people over 40 have a higher risk and the risk increases with age)
  • Ethnicity and cultural background (including people from an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, Pacific Island, Indian subcontinent or Chinese cultural background)
  • being overweight or obese, especially with excess weight around the waist
  • a low level of physical activity
  • Unhealthy eating habits
  • Smoking
  • high blood pressure
  • high levels of cholesterol or other fats in the blood

Heart Health Checks

You may need to have the following checks if you have certain risk factors for heart disease:

Blood Pressure Checks: Regularly monitoring your blood pressure helps detect hypertension early, preventing serious health issues like heart disease and stroke.

Blood Tests: Comprehensive blood tests can reveal important health indicators such as cholesterol, blood sugar levels, and organ function, allowing for timely intervention if necessary.

Obesity Test: Measuring your Body Mass Index (BMI) assesses whether you are in a healthy weight range, as being overweight or obese increases the risk of conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers.

Skin Cancer Checks

Skin cancer checks are important for everyone. They should be done yearly for early detection, especially if you have moles and freckles. Get tailored guidance on protection and ensuring your overall well-being in this sun-exposed environment.

Prostate Cancer Screening

(Men Aged 50+)

The primary method to screen for prostate cancer is through the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test. This can be considered every 2 years from the age of 50 or younger if you have a family history of Prostate Cancer. Consult your doctor to determine if PSA testing is suitable for your situation.

Cancer Council information about Prostate Cancer

Bowel Cancer Screening

(Anyone ages 45-74)

The presence of blood in your stool could signal early stages of bowel cancer. It’s crucial to consult your GP promptly. Individuals aged 45 to 74 with Medicare coverage will receive a free at-home bowel screening kit every 2 years. If you don’t receive yours, contact 1800 627 701, and a kit will be sent to you.

See further info about the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program

Hearing test

(Pensioners)

Hearing loss often becomes more common as people get older and as such, pensioners can access a variety of government-subsidised services aimed at addressing this issue. These services include hearing tests, the provision of hearing aids, and continued support offered through the Department of Health’s Hearing Services Program. Moreover, these benefits extend beyond just pensioners. Individuals within the Australian Defence Force and those who receive the Centrelink Sickness Allowance are also eligible for these services. This approach ensures that a diverse range of individuals, each with unique needs, can access essential resources for managing their hearing health. Consider seeing a local audiologist.

Cholesterol test

(Everyone 20+)

Through your GP, you can undergo a cholesterol test, and based on the results, receive guidance on maintaining heart health and adopting a healthy lifestyle.

Eye Test

(Everyone)

Poor vision can impact individuals across all age groups, from young children to retirees. This is why anyone holding a Medicare card is eligible for a comprehensive eye examination at a minimum interval of every three years. Consider seeing a local optometrist.

Bone Density test

(Over 70)

Everyone over the age of 70 should get a bone density test to determine the health of your bones. Your GP may recommend a test at a younger age if you are at increased risk. Risk factors can include:

  • Previously diagnosed osteoporosis
  • Family history of osteoporosis
  • Low calcium intake
  • Low vitamin D levels
  • Osteopenia (decreased bone density)
  • Low hormone levels
  • Coeliac disease, inflammatory bowel disease and other malabsorption disorders
  • Diabetes
  • Prostate cancer
  • Low physical activity
  • Smoking
  • High alcohol intake
  • High caffeine intake
  • Chronic kidney or liver disease
  • Thyroid disease or an overactive thyroid gland
  • Chronic bone pain particularly spinal pain
  • Previous fracture
  • Thin body build

Other health tests we can also help with:

  • Any unusual symptoms or conditions
  • Hypertension
  • Vascular Disease
  • Sexual health and sexually transmissible infections
  • Erectile & sexual dysfunction – Low libido, vasectomy referral
  • Reproductive health including preconception health
  • Work-related stress
  • Weight issues
  • Alcohol and Drug issues
  • Marital/Relationship difficulties

Men’s Mental Health

Many men find it challenging to open up or seek help but if you are feeling down or low, it’s important to find extra support. Trying to manage mental health issues on your own can increase the risk of depression or anxiety going unnoticed and untreated. Everyone experiences depression differently and signs and symptoms vary. It can affect your physical health, overall well-being, and daily life and it can also elevate your risk of suicide.

According to Beyond Blue statistics, in Australia, one in seven men will experience depression in their lifetime and one in five men will experience an anxiety condition in their lifetime.

It’s essential to recognise that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Mental health challenges are just as valid as physical health issues and deserve attention and care.

If you or someone you know is struggling, remember that there are resources and support available. Your GP could be a good place to start the conversation about your mental health. Finding the right support or treatment for you can help you learn how to manage depression and start to feel better.

Resources for further information:

         

Over the age of 45?

As we mentioned before, we know men tend to overlook their health needs and don’t visit a doctor as often as they should. But instead of ignoring your specific health needs, it’s time to consider a comprehensive check-up.

The age range between 45 and 64 is crucial for assessing patient risk factors and providing screenings for health conditions. Mental health is just as significant as physical health, and both can be interrelated. Scheduled health check-ups at a general practice for middle-aged adults have been proven to enhance the management of behavioural risk factors like smoking, nutrition, alcohol consumption, and physical activity, along with screenings for bowel cancer and high cholesterol.

Meet our team of caring doctors

Principal

Dr Steven Rudolphy

Dr Steven Rudolphy has worked on the South side of Cairns for 20 years. When the practice opened the South side it was known as 'nappy valley' and a third of his practice involved children. Read more >

Dr Steven Rudolphy has worked on the South side of Cairns for 20 years. When the practice opened the South side it was known as 'nappy valley' and a third of his practice involved children. As the population has grown he is increasingly involved in chronic disease management such as Diabetes and Heart Disease.
The practice has always thought it is important to train the next generation of GPs, he is a Senior Lecturer in General Practice at the Medical School at JCU and GP registrar trainer.
As co practice owner we have always organised the practice to value teamwork, staying up to date and being at the forefront of patient care.
Principal

Dr Jason Delaney

Dr Delaney has been a GP working with Mt Sheridan Medical Practice for more than 20 years. He grew up in Cairns and loves North Queensland. He completed his medical degree at the University of Queensland in 1992 and then returned to work in North Queensland. Read more >

Dr Delaney has been a GP working with Mt Sheridan Medical Practice for more than 20 years. He grew up in Cairns and loves North Queensland. He completed his medical degree at the University of Queensland in 1992 and then returned to work in North Queensland.
He has keen interest in medical education. He has previously worked providing education for the Queensland Ambulance service. He has been a long term supervisor for GP Registrars in his practice and worked for Tropical Medical Training as a medical educator for 5 years training young doctors specialising in General Practice. He continues to provide education on behalf of James Cook University to GP Registrars on the topic of diabetes. He is a generalist and enjoys treating the wide ranges of conditions that general practitioners manage.
Jason has a special interest in chronic disease management especially the management of Diabetes. He is a member to the RACGP national faculty of special interests in diabetes.
General Practitioner

Dr Rowan Harrison

Dr Harrison returned to our team in 2021, having previously worked at Mount Sheridan as a registrar in 2017. He is a Cairns local who graduated from James Cook University in 2011 and received his fellowship in General Practice in 2019.
READ MORE >

Dr Harrison returned to our team in 2021, having previously worked at Mount Sheridan as a registrar in 2017. He is a Cairns local who graduated from James Cook University in 2011 and received his fellowship in General Practice in 2019.
He also has a diploma of children’s health. Dr Harrison enjoys all aspects of general practice.
Outside of work he is a passionate fisherman, traveller and poultry enthusiast.
General Practitioner

Dr Tim Skeath

Dr Tim Skeath has been a longstanding GP with Mt Sheridan Medical Practice. He has a special interest in child health.

Dr Tim Skeath has been a longstanding GP with Mt Sheridan Medical Practice. He has a special interest in child health.
General Practitioner

Dr John Gattera

Dr John Gattera has been a longstanding GP with Mount Sheridan Medical Practice. He works Tuesdays and Wednesdays and has a special interest in Skin Cancer Treatment.

Dr John Gattera has been a longstanding GP with Mount Sheridan Medical Practice. He works Tuesdays and Wednesdays and has a special interest in Skin Cancer Treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What appointment length should I book?

The appointment length that you require is based on your specific needs. We recommend booking a double (30 minute) appointment for the initial consultation and your doctor will discuss any necessary follow up appointments.

How much will my men’s health appointment cost?

Appointment costs are dependent on the number of concerns you would like to discuss with your doctor. See our appointment fee schedule with detailed out of pocket expenses after your Medicare rebate below.

What is a Men’s Health Check-Up?

A men’s health check-up is a comprehensive assessment aimed at evaluating your overall health, identifying potential risk factors, and catching early signs of illness. During the appointment, your GP will discuss your medical history, family history, lifestyle habits, diet, exercise, and any concerns you might have.

What Should I Bring to My Appointment?

Bring any relevant medical records, a list of current medications, and information about your family medical history. This helps your GP to get a complete picture of your health.

How Often Should I Have a Men’s Health Check-Up?

It’s generally recommended to have a check-up annually. However, depending on your age, health status, and risk factors, your GP may suggest a different schedule.

What Can I Expect During the Check-Up?

During your check-up, your GP will:

  • Review your medical and family history
  • Discuss your lifestyle habits (diet, exercise, smoking, alcohol consumption)
  • Measure vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate)
  • Perform relevant physical examinations and screenings
  • Provide advice on maintaining or improving your health

Will My GP Discuss Sensitive Topics?

Yes, your GP will address all aspects of your health, including potentially sensitive topics like mental health, sexual health, and substance use. These discussions are confidential and aimed at providing comprehensive care.

Can I Request Specific Tests During My Check-Up?

If you have particular concerns or want specific tests, discuss them with your GP. They can provide advice on which tests are appropriate based on your health profile.

Are Men’s Health Check-Ups Only for Older Men?

No, men of all ages should have regular health check-ups. Early detection of potential issues can significantly improve outcomes, regardless of age.

Book Your Appointment Today

Take charge of your health by booking a men’s health check-up with us. Early detection and prevention are key to a healthier, happier life.

To find out more about our Men’s Health services or to book, please call or book online.

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