Men urged to check cars and themselves during international men’s health
Doctors are urging men to book in to see their GP when booking their car in for a service, during International Men’s Health Week which began on 12 June.
Australian Medical Association (AMA) Queensland president, Dr Ross Cartmill, said Australian men did not see their doctor regularly and as a result were suffering from many preventable diseases.
“Australian men just do not go to their doctor,” Dr Cartmill said.
“They will get their car serviced regularly but yet will not go for a check up themselves.
“A car can be replaced but our health is far too important to lose,” he said.
“Getting the car serviced is a good reference point – your car gets a thorough check up and so do you.
Dr Cartmill said hypertension was one of the biggest risk factors for men, particularly as they aged.
“Hypertension is manageable, but unmanaged can lead to serious diseases such as cardio-vascular disease.
“If our car isn’t running smoothly we know we need to do something about it because it can lead to more serious problems – the same is true of our health,” Dr Cartmill said.
“Women are far more likely to be pro-active about their health and will go to their GP for regular check ups or if they notice any changes in their body.
“Australian men need to follow suit: when your car gets a once over, so should you,” Dr Cartmill said.
