Men’s Health in Focus

With a series of national – and global – initiatives focusing on men’s health and mental health (R U OK? Day, Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, Movember) all within months of each other, we’re reminded how important it is to look after our body and mind. As this year’s Movember campaign reminds us, men’s health doesn’t only affect men…it affects the community of people around them, regardless of their gender.

We spoke to Dr. Daniel King to get some insights and guidance on how we can increase our awareness, understand our risks and take better care of ourselves, our mates and our loved ones…

Prostate Cancer

According to Australian Prostate Cancer, Prostate cancer is now the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia, with 1 in 6 men diagnosed by the age of 85, and 10 Australian men losing their battle with prostate cancer every day. Prostate cancer affects the prostate gland which is located just under the bladder.
Unfortunately, there can often be no symptoms in the early stages, but there are some signs that might occur, most of which are related to your pee. For example, getting up in the night to pee, peeing more frequently, an urgent and sudden need to pee, difficulty in starting or stopping, a weaker than normal stream, passing any blood in your urine, or problems in the bedroom.
There are screening tests available so if you are worried or concerned, the best thing to do is to talk to your GP. Of all the things we can be embarrassed or awkward about, our health should never be one of them, so never be afraid to talk with a healthcare professional.

Other Cancers in Men

Research repeatedly shows that skin cancers, including melanomas, are more common in men. Amongst other reasons, this could possibly be related to the fact that men are typically less likely to wear sunscreen. While there is no set guideline for how often you should get checked, it is a good idea to get an annual skin check.
If you are worried or have noticed any changes in your skin, for example a mole bleeding, changing shape, or changing colour, please see your local GP or skin doctor. Testicular cancer, luckily, is not that common.
However, it is more prevalent in men between 20 and 40 years old. It has good cure rates if picked up early, so, again, if you have a lump or pain or something has changed below your belt, get yourself checked out. Bowel cancer is also more common in men. If your bowel movements have changed, or you see blood in your stool, see your doctor – especially if you have a family history of bowel concerns.

Men’s Mental Health

According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 43 per cent of Australian men have experienced a mental health problem at some point in their lifetime. Mental health concerns are very common in both men and women, and includes a wide spectrum of conditions such as social or general anxiety, substance abuse, depression, suicidal thoughts and unfortunately suicide.
In fact, the rate of male suicide is alarmingly high, with 3 out of 4 suicides in Australia by men. Unlike a physical condition like a broken arm, it can sometimes be harder to tell if your mental health is suffering. In our ‘busy busy’ lives, it can be all too easy to squash things down and just keep powering on.
But it’s important to tune into your body and mind so you can recognise when you’re firing on all cylinders, when you need a break, or when you might need to get some help.

Some symptoms to look out for can include:
• Fatigue and low energy
• Feeling sad or down and not being able to shake it
• Getting angry or feeling touchy / irritable at things that wouldn’t normal have bothered you
• Worrying
• Not sleeping or waking up at night
• Withdrawing from your friends and family
• Increased alcohol consumption
• Missing activities or work due to your symptoms
• Thoughts of hurting yourself or others

If you think you could benefit from some support, it’s important to know that there are many places available to get help. Here in town you have your GP, Navicare (a mental health referral service in the Bowen Basin), Mates in Mining support service, Lifeline, Beyond Blue and many others (below).
Talking about your mental health can sometimes feel challenging, but focus on one step at a time. The first thing to do is to reach out, the help is there for you and it really does make a difference.
If you notice a friend or family member isn’t quite themselves, start by asking if they are OK – the R U OK? website has a wealth of resources to help you ask, listen, encourage action and check in. Talk with them, listen as they talk, let them know you are there for them, and help them access the support they need.

Looking after your physical and mental health

There are some simple things you can do that can really boost your mental health:
• Get regular exercise: just 30 minutes of walking every day can boost your mood and improve your physical health.
• Eat healthy regular meals: don’t let yourself get “hangry”
• Make sleep a priority: try to get 7-9 hours
• Find a hobby you enjoy
• Stay connected
• If none of this helps, talk to your doctor or reach out to any of the support services

It can sometimes be hard creating – and maintaining – a healthy, balanced lifestyle when you work shifts on a mine site, but your health should be treated as a priority. Tieri might be a small town, but we have access to lots of health and fitness services, including a 24hr gym, pool with extended opening hours, the new multipurpose courts, not to mention the countless bushwalking and cycling tracks.
So, grab a mate, get out there and invest in yourself and your health.

If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to book an appointment with Dr Daniel King by calling Tieri Medical Practice on (07) 4984 8386.

Links:
Tieri Medical Practice (book here)
Mates In Mining
Navicare
Lifeline
Beyond Blue
Kids Helpline
Suicide Call Back Service
Queensland Health: Mental Health Access Line