Men Encouraged to Get Regular Health Checks

Men Encouraged to Get Regular Health Checks

Rolleston man Robert Webb is grateful that high cholesterol was picked up at his regular health check.

His doctor, Rolleston General Practitioner Phil Schroeder was sufficiently concerned about it that he prescribed medication to bring the level down. It has now fallen from over 7 to around 4.8.

“I didn’t realise it was so high. The doctor said I had better get it down. I have always made sure I have regular health checks and this just proves how important they are,” Mr Webb says.

High cholesterol isn’t associated with any symptoms so people are often unaware they have it. It can only be detected through a blood test. However, if left untreated high cholesterol can lead to heart disease. Changes to diet and doing more exercise are often successfully used to reduce it.

This week is Men’s Health Week (June 14-20) and Canterbury District Health Board is encouraging men to make sure they go to the doctor for regular health checks even if they aren’t feeling unwell.

Mr Webb, age 66, a builder and engineer, says an annual health check gives him peace of mind.

Dr Schroeder says men will often avoid seeing doctors until they have a real need. “And that can mean we are catching things at the bottom of the cliff and sometimes it is too late to be of maximum effectiveness.”

“Men tend to spend a lot of time and effort doing the right thing for their properties and motor vehicles but sometimes neglect to do the right thing for their bodies.” He recommends a regular health check for anyone over the age of 30, even those seeing the doctor for a regular health condition.

“Having a full check covers the gaps that we are not necessarily looking at for their ongoing problem. For example someone going to their doctor for high blood pressure may not have had other checks. Sometimes you need to step back and do a proper adult health screen.”

A man’s health screen could include questions and examination on alcohol and smoking habits, exercise, weight, prostate, diabetes, lungs, heart and skin lesions.

ENDS

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