Men's Health

The health check is carried out by a GP and during the consultation you will be asked questions about your family history and your habits ie. smoking.

• We will also discuss further testing – ie. blood test for Cholesterol, blood sugar check and possibly a prostate test. This is an area that often needs more discussion with your GP and testing often depends on symptoms and family history.
• A physical examination is undertaken (blood pressure etc) and if the prostate is evaluated a digital rectal examination (DRE) is done. It is important to do both the DRE and the blood test as each can tell us different things. 
• During the consultation it is also an opportunity to raise concerns around your sexual health. As we age we may experience increased erectile dysfunction and there is treatment available for this.
• We do a cardiovascular risk assessment that gives you a percentage risk of a significant cardiovascular event eg. heart attack/stroke within the next year. If this is high then we can provide medication to reduce this risk and follow you up closely.

Importantly we also question you about your mental health and well-being.

Men are not often good with discussing feelings but it is important to be able to do this with your doctor so he or she can point you in the right direction if you need help.

Skin checks are very important and usually involve another consultation with a skilled provider. Next to the Hamilton East Medical Centre we have the Hamilton Skin Cancer Centre where a full skin check can be undertaken. In New Zealand we are all at risk due to the harsh sun and we want all New Zealanders to be able to enjoy the outdoors safely.