You wouldn’t wait until your car breaks down to get it serviced, so why wait until something feels wrong to see your GP?
With Men’s Health Week highlighting the value of early check-ups, it’s a good time to think about your own health routine.
“Even if your car doesn’t have any problems, you still take it in regularly for a service,” said Dr Charles Ellis-Hallett, Royal Flying Doctor Service (Queensland Section) (RFDS) Medical Lead in Charleville.
“I think we need to think about our own health in the same way.”
Dr Charles, who has been with the RFDS for over 20 years, is passionate about rural medicine and delivering care to remote Queensland communities.
“I love what we do and what we stand for; I get to visit communities and provide top-notch care in the most remote locations,” he said.
While nearly 80% of the communities serviced by the RFDS (Queensland Section) have a majority male population, more than half of our primary healthcare patients are women.
This gap isn’t unique to the bush; men across Australia are less likely to seek medical care, even though they still get unwell and have injuries and generally have shorter lifespans than women.
Men’s Health Week aims to shift that pattern, encouraging men to take a more proactive approach to looking after their health.
“Keeping your health proactively managed is really important,” said Dr Charles. “Yet research has demonstrated that only around 71% of men aged 15 to 44 see a GP each year, compared to 81% of women.”
Dr Charles identified two main reasons men hesitate to book GP appointments: cultural attitudes and busy lifestyles.
“As men, we don’t like to be seen as someone who complains, and sometimes, we’re hesitant to know if something is wrong,” he said.
But avoiding the doctor can have serious consequences, regular GP check ups are a simple step that can significantly improve your health outcomes.
“Your GP can detect stuff that you weren’t expecting to be found, and most things are really treatable,” he said.
“It’s important for men to know that it is really okay to see the GP when you think there is nothing wrong with you. It is the best way to ensure nothing does go wrong with you.”
For healthy men under 50, it's recommended to have a check-up every two to three years. Men over 50 should aim for annual visits. However, any new symptoms or changes in mental health should prompt an immediate appointment.
Dr Charles understands that discussing health concerns might feel daunting, but stresses the importance of finding a GP you trust.
“It is really important to find a GP that suits you and that you feel comfortable with that person.”
“Building a relationship with your GP allows them to get to know you and your medical history, making it easier for them to give you the best advice.
“Your GP is there to support you as an advice giver, not someone who is there to judge you.”
If you haven’t seen your GP in a while or if something feels off, don’t put it off. Just like your car, your health deserves regular attention and care.
