Every November, the moustaches come out and the conversation turns to men’s health. It’s a great reminder of something simple: looking after yourself is worth your time.
At The Surgery at Jerra, we see men from Jerrabomberra, Queanbeyan, Googong, Tralee and the surrounding Canberra area. Movember is the perfect excuse to talk about men’s health checks, and about why so many of us put them off for years.
What is Movember?
Movember is a yearly event in November that raises awareness of men’s health, including prostate health, testicular health and men’s mental health. It began with a group of mates growing moustaches in Melbourne, and the idea has since spread around the world.
The moustache is really just a conversation starter. When someone asks “why the mo?”, it opens the door to talking about something many men rarely bring up. The goal is simple: get men talking, and get them looking after their health.
Why do so many men skip health checks?
If you’ve been putting off a check up, you’re far from alone. Here are some of the most common reasons.
“I feel fine.” No symptoms can feel like no reason to go. But a health check isn’t only for when something’s wrong. It’s a chance to see how things are going while you’re feeling good.
“I’m too busy.” Work, family, sport, kids, weekend jobs around the house. Your own health always seems to slide to the bottom of the list, and weeks quietly turn into years.
“She’ll be right.” Many of us grew up believing you just get on with it. Asking for help can feel like admitting something’s wrong, when it’s really just looking after yourself.
It feels awkward. Some things are hard to talk about, especially things like sexual health, toilet habits or how you’ve been feeling lately. That’s completely normal, and your GP has heard it all before. Nothing you bring up is too small or too embarrassing.
Worry about what might come up. It’s natural to avoid something that makes you nervous. But for most people, knowing feels better than wondering, and the sooner you talk about a worry, the sooner you can do something about it.
Not knowing what happens. If you’re not sure what a check involves, it’s easy to keep putting it off. A health check is usually a lot more relaxed than people expect.
Why a men’s health check is worth it
A men’s health check is a chance to sit down with your GP, look at the bigger picture and chat about anything on your mind. Think of it like a service for your car, except this one’s for you. It can help you:
- understand where your health is at right now
- talk about your family history and any risks that matter for you
- catch up on anything you might have missed or forgotten
- ask the questions you’ve been meaning to ask
- make a simple plan for staying well
Most of all, it’s about looking after yourself so you can keep doing the things you enjoy, with the people you care about.
What happens at a men’s health check?
It’s usually simpler than people think. Your GP will start with a relaxed chat about your health, lifestyle and family history. From there, they’ll talk through which checks might suit your age and situation, and what next steps could make sense.
You’re always in control. Nothing happens without you knowing what it is and why, and you can ask questions at any time. If something comes up that needs follow up, your GP will explain your options and help you decide what’s right for you.
Looking after your mind too
Movember isn’t only about physical health. Men’s mental health matters just as much. If you’ve been feeling flat, stressed, anxious, short tempered or just not yourself, it’s okay to talk to someone, and your GP is a good place to start. You don’t need to wait until things feel really bad.
If you need urgent support, you can call Lifeline on 13 11 14, or call 000 in an emergency.
Easy ways to look after yourself this Movember
You don’t need to change everything at once. A few small steps can make a difference:
- Book that check up you’ve been putting off
- Talk to a mate. Ask how they’re really going, and be ready to listen
- Get moving. A walk, a ride or a kick of the footy all count
- Look after your sleep and try to eat well
- Cut back where you can on alcohol and smoking, or ask your GP for support
- Take sun protection seriously as the weather warms up
Book your men’s health check in Jerrabomberra
This Movember, take the first step. Whether it’s a general check up or something specific you’d like to talk through, our friendly team at The Surgery at Jerra is here to help.
📍 The Surgery at Jerra, Jerrabomberra NSW
Call us on – 02 6255 8112
