As Movember reaches its halfway point and moustaches thicken across the mountain, local GP Dr Nick Martin is reminding men that growing facial hair is only part of the conversation – the other part is taking action on their health.
Dr Martin, who consults at Tamborine Mountain Medical Practice, said regular check-ups remain one of the simplest and most effective steps men can take as they get older.
“General health check-ups are a good idea at any age, it’s not just cardiovascular risk we’re interested in,” he said.
He said routine screening can detect common conditions early, significantly reducing the risk of serious illness.
“High blood pressure or diabetes can be easily detected and treated early, which can hugely reduce the risk of strokes and heart attacks,” he said.
“Men can also normalise some things like prostate issues, assuming that getting up at night to urinate is a normal thing… when it can often be easily treated.”
He added that symptoms like blood in stool or a persistent cough should never be ignored.
Dr Martin said mental health is still the area men overlook most and that having conversations around mental health is important
“Life’s busy and stressful for most of us, and often we deal with stress in harmful ways – smoking, drinking too much, drugs, risky behaviours,” he said.
“There’s no right or wrong way of doing this – any kind of conversation starter is better than none.”
Initiatives like Movember, he said, play a key role in encouraging men to speak up.
“Men can be notoriously bad at talking about their health, feelings and worries… Sometimes it just takes one comment for someone to seek help,” he said
For men who feel hesitant about booking a check-up, Dr Martin’s message is clear.
“Just come on in,” he said.
“Just like you book your car in for a service, consider booking yourself in for a check-up. It’s not expensive and it could make a massive difference to your life.”
