What's wrong with men's health in Australia?
Australian men are more likely to get sick from serious health problems than women, often due to a lack of early intervention and resulting in higher mortality (death) rates. In 2017, the Heart Foundation reported that half of all Australian men and a third of all Australian women over the age of 40 are at risk of developing heart disease alone, highlighting some concerning issues related to men’s health.
As with most illnesses, most men’s health problems are preventable. The issues associated with poor men’s health throughout Australia highlight several gaps in current campaigns created to increase awareness of men’s health issues. Implementing a new approach to health interventions and health promotion where men are encouraged to access health services and set up ongoing maintenance plans with their doctor, would encourage proactive treatment of common men’s health issues related to prostate and heart health, changes in hormone production and much more.
Typically, men are less likely to access medical, allied health and welfare services in a timely manner, even when their health and wellbeing is at risk. Accordingly, health promotion campaigns and health services should be encouraged to review current initiatives and determine how they might be amended to be more ‘men friendly’. This might include extending opening times and offering evening consultation times; tailoring services to include men’s needs; having men’s health information readily available in waiting rooms, as well as suitable men’s magazines; and reaching out to men through community events, for instance through health promotion activities.
Early intervention in men’s health is crucial. This is why at Australian Clinical Labs, we offer Level 1 General Check-up tests that screen for many of the general markers used to determine an employee’s general risk factors. These include Cholesterol, Glucose, and Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA).
Clinical Labs offers access to an extensive network of accredited collection centres, some of those located within Medical Centres, allowing accessible treatment for patients. To access a full list, including opening hours visit: www.clinicallabs.com.au/locations.