Ask most men for their footy tips and they will have an answer. Ask for their blood pressure or cholesterol and many will shrug. This Movember I would like to change that, because knowing your numbers is one of the most practical things you can do for your long-term health.
Men’s health and chronic disease management are two of my areas of interest as a GP at Haan Health. I also have experience in emergency medicine, which showed me how valuable it is to have a clear health picture in place early. A GP can build that picture with you, calmly, in a routine appointment.
The Medicare-funded Heart Health Check is a good example. As the Heart Foundation describes it, it is a 20-minute check-up for people aged 45 or over (30 or over for First Nations people). Your GP checks blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose, asks about diet, activity and family history, and then estimates your chance of a heart attack or stroke over the next five years so a plan can be made together. If you are in that age group, I am happy to talk through whether it suits you.
A number is not a verdict. It is a starting point. A daily walk, a little less salt, better sleep and fewer takeaway nights can all nudge the numbers in a good direction, and we can review how you are going over time. Conditions such as high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes can be quiet in the early years, which is a good reason to check in even when you feel well.
Men’s health also includes the topics that are harder to raise, from mood and sleep to relationships and the pressure of work. Nothing you bring up will surprise me, and no question is too small. A short conversation is often all it takes to get started. Please consider booking a time this month, and bring a list of questions if that helps.
I see patients at Haan Health Medical Centre, Level 1, 24 Victoria Square, Broadbeach. We offer bulk billing for eligible patients and services, so please call (07) 5531 6033 to confirm for your visit. We welcome men from Broadbeach, Mermaid Waters, Surfers Paradise and the wider Gold Coast.
Dr Atif Ashrafi, MD (University of Sydney)
General Practitioner, Haan Health Medical Centre
AHPRA registration number: MED0002784083