MEN'S HEALTH
When did you have your last tune up?
It doesn’t matter if you are a farmer, a surfer, a builder, a trucker, a teacher or a grey nomad if you have machinery due for a service you usually get it done. With the correct maintenance schedule we keep our machinery running well, and can often avoid costly repairs. Our health is no different, it is your most valuable piece of machinery. But when we come to looking after ourselves we are generally not very good at it!
Men's Health- Compared to women of the same age, male death rates are significantly higher for cancers, heart disease, stroke, chronic lung disease, diabetes and most other major diseases. Men also have higher rates of accidental and violent death, of suicide and of deaths related to drug and alcohol problems.
The situation tends to be worse for those men who are alone or in failing relationships, those unhappy in work or those in socially disadvantaged groups.
Men need to be encouraged to value their health and to become empowered with the skills and knowledge that will promote a healthy lifestyle and so allow them to enjoy their full potential.
PROSTATE ENLARGEMENT
The prostate gland is a small, walnut-sized organ located under the bladder and near the rectum, or back passage, in men. Enlargement of this gland is a common condition.
Not every man with an enlarged prostate has symptoms. But when symptoms do occur, they are related to the prostate obstructing the flow of urine. This can lead to problems such as:
- Difficulty in starting or stopping urination;
- Dribbling of urine after urination has stopped (incontinence);
- A weak urine stream;
- A frequent and urgent need to urinate, particularly at night;
- Blood in the urine;
- Pain in the area between the scrotum and the anus; and
- A feeling that the bladder is not empty even after urinating.
Almost all Australian men will experience urinary problems due to an enlarged prostate at some point in their lives.
VASECTOMY
This is a simple surgical procedure that cuts the tubes that carry the sperm from the testes. The goal of a vasectomy is to make a man sterile, unable to father children naturally. It is a very effective, safe and permanent form of contraception.
Erectile dysfunction, or impotence, means not being able to get or keep an erection that is sufficient for sexual intercourse. Many men have impotence at some time in their lives. It can come and go. Impotence can have a range of causes, both physical and psychological. We have brochures in the waiting room on erectile dysfunction.
Loss of Libido or sexual desire rises and falls over time for no apparent reason. It is very common for people to lose interest in sex from time to time. Your libido can rise due to things like relationship pleasures, good health, fitness, holidays and relaxation. Your libido can fall due to things in your life like relationship problems, the birth of a child, stress, overwork or personal issues. Chronic illness can impair sex drive. So can some medicines, such as antidepressants. Nearly one in two Australian men have experienced a sexual difficulty, which can include a sexual act, from foreplay through to attaining or maintaining an erection, and also ejaculation. Any man can be affected, whether he is straight, gay, bisexual or transgender.
DEPRESSION
is different to just being sad or down for a bit?
In general, men tend to put off getting any kind of help because they think they're supposed to be tough, self-reliant, able to manage pain and take charge of situations. This can make it hard for men to acknowledge they have any health problems, let alone a mental health problem. And it can make you feel lonely and isolated. Depression is a serious and common condition which won't get better by itself. If you had a broken arm or a deep cut on your foot, you wouldn't expect that to heal without medical help. It's the same with depression.
Men are more likely to recognise and describe the physical symptoms of depression such as feeling tired or losing weight, rather than feeling depressed.. Men may acknowledge feeling irritable or angry, rather than saying they feel low or sad. Everyone feels ‘down' occasionally but if you've been sad, moody, angry or unable to sleep or concentrate for more than a couple of weeks, it could be depression. You might also lose interest in work, sport, sex, going out, or other things you used to enjoy.
Men are likely to resort to destructive behaviours in an attempt to deal with depression.
Many people with depression or anxiety use drugs and alcohol to try and cope. It is very common, for men in particular, to try to mask or block out the symptoms of depression or anxiety by using alcohol or other drugs, which only makes the symptoms worse.
Depression is a known high-risk factor for suicide.
One out of every six Australian men suffers from depression at any given time.
Talk to your Doctor, they do understand, and they can help.
http://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/ | https://www.beyondblue.org.au/
Beyondblue Support Service
Phone 1300 22 4636.
ALCOHOL
If the amount of alcohol you are drinking is worrying you, if your family members are complaining about you drinking or your drinking is causing you to get into unpleasant or dangerous situations, then you probably have an alcohol problem and need some help. Talk to your G.P..
Too much alcohol – alcohol addiction-alcoholism, is a disease that affects people from all walks of life.
Alcoholism is a real disease. It can cause changes to the brain and brain chemistry, so a person with an alcohol addiction may not be able to control their actions. You can stop the cycle by getting some help.
Phone helpline 1300 222 222