Setting personal goals often occur at the beginning of something new, for example, on New Year’s Day. However, there are other milestone events that serve as prompts for men to commence goal setting.
A new romantic relationship, the birth of a child or an unexpected health diagnosis are the more common events men use to re-evaluate and make positive changes for better health.
For several years, male patients I have seen in clinical practice have asked what tests or procedures should they attend annually. So as a start, I have developed the 5 key annual tests men ought to initiate to improve their physical health and wellbeing.
This protocol is not exhaustive, but is a great start for men who want to be proactive about their health.
1. Annual Eye Examination
Over 13 million Australians have a long-term or chronic eye condition, which is roughly half the population of the country. Common eye conditions include macular degeneration, cataracts and diabetic retinopathy.
The good news is that around 90% of all vision impairment (including blindness) is preventable and treatable if diagnosed early. For men over 40-years, or men with diabetes, an eye examination is as a priority.
Organising an Eye Test
This is really, really straightforward. Firstly, search online for an optometrist in your local area, most large shopping centres will have an optometrist store on-site. Then make an appointment booking online or by telephone call.
Many optometrists will bulk-bill. For those optometrists which don’t bulk-bill, a Medicare rebate is usually available to claim part of your costs. You may be able to claim costs through some private healthcare funds.
On the day of the appointment, the optometrist will run a series of tests to examine visual acuity, eye muscle strength and retina health. These tests are painless, with no direct contact to the eye itself.
Following these eye examinations, the optometrist will discuss the results with you and speak about any issues detected. They will also recommend when your next appointment should be planned.
2. Annual Skin Check
Australia has very rates of diagnosed skin melanoma due to our climate and exposure to direct sunlight.
In 2023, more men than women were diagnosed with melanoma of the skin (~10,000 vs 7000), and more men die from skin melanoma than women. Therefore, it’s fair to say that skin melanoma is a key physical men’s health issue.
Organising a Skin Check
This process is quick and straightforward. Firstly, attend an online search for a skin clinic in your local area. Once located, make an appointment booking online or by telephone call.
Some skin clinics bulk-bill while others do not. It’s best to ask about any out-of-pocket expenses when making the booking.
On the day of the appointment, you will change into a gown and the dermatologist will then ask you a few relevant questions, before examining your skin with a small magnifying glass called a dermatoscope. The genital area is not examined typically, unless you specifically request an examination of an abnormal spot or mole in that region.
If a suspicious skin lesion or abnormality is detected, a biopsy may be collected and sent for pathology testing. The dermatologist will recommend when your next appointment should be planned.
3. Annual GP appointment
Just like the eye and skin appointments, this one is also really easy to organise.
Your GP will likely ask a wide range of questions and take your age and family history into consideration when determining tests.
If you are sexually active, discuss a sexual health screen with the GP. This will involve both a urine and blood sample.
If you are over the age of 40 years, discuss a prostate-specific antigen (PSA)blood test with your GP. You will not require a rectal examination with this test, just a blood sample.
Any blood or urine tests will usually take 2-3 weeks before the results are known. Your GP will let you know when a follow-up appointment is required.
4. Annual Dental Examination
Oral health is poorly prioritised by Australian men (see our article on Oral Health). Men are less likely to visit a dentist compared to women, and have higher incidence of developing oral cancer (almost 3:1 ratio) compared to females.
Oral health has been described as the window into our overall health. Like other parts of the body, the mouth contains many germs and bacteria and maintaining balance is key to reducing illness and disease.
Dental consultations do incur out-of-pocket expenses for many people, although those people on Health Care Cards or Pensioner Concession Cards may access public dental clinics in some states or territories.
Yes, dental examinations aren’t usually fun, but neither is an inflamed dental abscess at 2am on a public holiday. Annual dental checks are one of the most effective preventative health steps men can make.
5. Annual Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Check
If you are not an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander male, then this annual check is not relevant for you. But if you are, this annual assessment is key in the early identification of preventative health conditions.
Organising an Annual Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Health Check
The free annual health check can be completed at any Aboriginal Medical Service or bulk-billing clinic.
The cost for this assessment is free.
During this assessment- blood and urine tests are collected, family medical histories are updated and discussions on your health goals are discussed.
This annual health check can make a real and measurable difference to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men and boys health. For more information, please click the link here.
