You Probably Don’t Need “The Finger”

A lot of men avoid check-ups out of fear. But the truth is, a well-mind check is nothing to stress over. “You’re very unlikely to get a finger where it doesn’t belong,” Dr. Stuart joked.

Instead, your doctor may send you for some blood tests. That’s it. From there, they’ll advise when you need another check-up whether in a year, five years, or sooner.

What Counts as a Health Check?

It’s not just about tests. “Just making time to sit down with your doctor makes a huge difference,” said Dr. Stuart.

Let the reception staff know what you’re booking in for. That way, they’ll schedule the right amount of time.

If it’s just a quick concern, 15 minutes might do. For a full health assessment, you may need 30 minutes or even time with a nurse.

Find a GP You Trust

“Patients are phenomenally loyal to their GPs,” Dr. Stuart shared. Once you find one you’re comfortable with, stick with them. They’ll get to know your history and care for you more effectively.

But sometimes, even a great GP may refer you to someone with specialist training for example, in menopause or men’s heart health.

Heart Checks Matter Especially Over 40

Heart disease is still one of the leading causes of death among Australian men. But early checks can prevent major problems.

“There’s a thing called a CT calcium score,” Dr. Stuart said. “It’s a CT scan of the heart that helps assess your risk.” It shows if cholesterol has built up and hardened in your arteries. A key factor in heart attacks and strokes.

Generally, the scan is recommended if you’re over 45, especially if you have a family history. “We can then personalise your risk and manage it early,” he added.

“But I’m in My 30s…”

Even if you’re younger, it’s worth checking in. One listener, aged 36, asked about waking multiple times at night to go to the toilet.

“That’s commonly a prostate issue,” Dr. Stuart explained.

But it could also be caused by diabetes, sleep quality, or nothing serious at all. That’s why simple blood tests can help rule things out.

Prostate Concerns? Don’t Wait Years

Some men go years waking up five or more times a night and do nothing.

“You just haven’t slept,” Dr. Stuart said. “No wonder you’re grumpy. It’s horrible.”

He stressed that while prostate cancer can be serious, most men who are diagnosed will die with it, not because of it.

Many cases are slow-growing and easily managed with medication.

Don’t Let Stoicism Ruin Your Life

“I think it’s a trait Aussies and Brits share, the ‘she’ll be right’ attitude,” Dr. Stuart said. But being tough doesn’t mean ignoring symptoms.

“If you’re waking up once a night, that’s okay,” he explained. “Two to three times can still be considered normal, but it’s disruptive.”

If something feels off, get it checked. It could be nothing or it could be something you can manage now before it gets worse.

Final Word

Whether it’s your heart, your prostate, or your peace of mind, don’t put it off.

As Dr. Stuart put it, “There are a lot of medical conditions we can detect early and mitigate against, even without symptoms.”

Taking action now could save your life, or at least dramatically improve it.

Listen to the full conversation below.