This Men’s Health Week, discover the importance of early health check-ups for men, especially those with disabilities, and take steps toward better wellbeing.
Before I worked in community and disability services, I had the great privilege of working with the Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI), where I spent a lot of time talking about access to health care and health outcomes.
Not surprisingly, I became passionate about how Australians access health care and the impact this can have on the quality and length of their lives.
It is Men’s Health Week from 15 to 21 June, and this year the focus for the week is simple: check in early and take your health seriously.
There are some confronting statistics from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) and the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) that reinforce why this is so important:
- Only 78-79% of men saw a GP in the last year (compared to 87-88% of women).
- This is worse for younger men, with only 71-79% of men aged 15-44 seeing a GP annually.
- Men also less likely to access preventative care. For example, only 39% of men took up bowel cancer screening.
There is a clear connection between accessing primary care and long-term health outcomes. The data reflects this too:
- Men have shorter life expectancy and higher mortality across most conditions.
- 50% of male deaths under age 75 are potentially avoidable.
People with disability often face additional barriers when trying to access health care:
- 7.6% delay or avoid seeing a GP because of cost.
- 24% wait longer than acceptable for a GP appointment.
You can read more about Australian patient experiences on the ABS website. You can also find out more about the health of Australia’s males, specifically, on the AIHW website.
This is only a small sample of the data, but the picture is clear. Men with disability are less likely to access early support, face greater barriers navigating the system and, as a result, can experience poorer health outcomes over time.
So, during Men’s Health Month, I have a simple message:
Think about taking a step towards you own good health.
That step might look different for everyone.
If you have symptoms or concerns about your health but you’re unsure if you need to see a GP, the healthdirect Symptom Checker can help.
It is safe, secure and anonymous, and it can help you decide whether you should see a doctor or manage your symptoms at home.
If you would like to see a health professional but you don’t know where to start, the healthdirect Service Finder can help connect you with services in your area. It also includes useful filters such as bulk billing options, which may help to manage costs.
If taking the first step feels overwhelming or daunting, talk to someone you trust and share your concerns. Sometimes having support to navigate the system can help you on the path to good health.
Every one of us is entitled to a bright and healthy future.
This Men’s Health Week, I would be thrilled if even one person reading this took a step that improved their health and wellbeing.