Every November, you may notice a few more moustaches than usual. Behind them is Movember, a global campaign that raises awareness and funds for three important areas of men’s health: mental health and suicide prevention, prostate cancer and testicular cancer.
Movember also creates an opportunity to start conversations that can sometimes be postponed, particularly when you feel well. When was your last health check, and what would you want to learn from one?
Why does Movember focus on mental health?
Mental health is an important part of overall health, but concerns such as prolonged stress, anxiety, low mood or changes in sleep can be difficult to talk about.
Movember encourages men to have these conversations earlier, stay connected with the people around them and seek professional support when they need it.
A routine health appointment can provide an opportunity to discuss both physical and emotional concerns with a GP. If changes to your mood, sleep or behaviour are affecting your daily life, speaking to a healthcare professional can be an important first step.
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999 or go to A&E.
What can a men’s health check tell you if you feel well?
You do not need to wait until something feels wrong to discuss your health. A health check gives you time to review key measurements and consider them alongside your medical history, lifestyle and family history.
For example, it may help you:
- Understand how your family history of heart disease may influence your long-term cardiovascular risk.
- Review previous results, such as a high cholesterol reading, and discuss whether further monitoring or lifestyle changes may be appropriate.
- Put measurements such as your blood pressure, weight and BMI into the context of your overall health.
- Raise concerns about your physical health, emotional wellbeing or changes you may have noticed.
- Understand what your results mean and what, if anything, should happen next.
Before choosing a health check, it is worth asking how you will receive your results and what support is available if something requires further investigation.
Depending on the findings, the next step may be practical lifestyle advice, a repeat test or a discussion about whether further assessment would be helpful.
Can I get an NHS Health Check?
In England, eligible adults aged 40 to 74 are usually offered a free NHS Health Check every five years.
The check is intended for people who do not already have certain pre-existing conditions, such as heart disease, chronic kidney disease, diabetes, high blood pressure or a previous stroke. People who are already receiving treatment for cardiovascular risk, including some people taking statins, may also be monitored through a different pathway.
The NHS Health Check focuses primarily on heart and circulatory health and assesses the risk of developing conditions including heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes.
If you think you may be eligible but have not received an invitation, you can contact your GP practice or local council to ask about availability.
What happens at a Well Man Check at Midland Health?
At Midland Health’s Birmingham clinic, the Well Man Check begins with an in-depth conversation with a GP about your medical history, lifestyle and any health concerns you may have.
The comprehensive assessment takes up to one hour and includes:
- Physical measurements: Height, weight, BMI and blood pressure measurement.
- Testicular examination: An examination to check for abnormalities, alongside advice on recognising changes and checking your testicles.
- Blood and urine tests: Assessments covering kidney and liver function, thyroid health, cholesterol levels, diabetes risk and anaemia risk.
- Cardiovascular health: A review of factors that may affect your risk of cardiovascular disease.
- PSA blood test: A test that can help assess prostate conditions, including prostate cancer, but is not a definitive cancer test.
The UK does not currently have a routine national prostate cancer screening programme. Your GP will discuss the potential benefits and limitations of PSA testing with you so that you can make an informed decision.
Once your results have been received, they will be reviewed and summarised in a report. Your GP can explain what the findings mean and advise whether any lifestyle changes, repeat tests or further assessments should be considered.
If you have noticed a change or have a particular symptom that concerns you, let the team know when booking so they can guide you towards the most appropriate appointment.
