Men’s Health Matters: Taking Charge of Your Wellbeing 

When it comes to health, men face unique challenges. On average, a boy born today can expect to live about four years less than a girl born at the same time.1 Men are also more likely to experience avoidable and premature death from conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, certain cancers, and suicide.2,3 The good news is that many of these risks can be reduced with proactive steps and support from healthcare professionals, including nurse practitioners available via telehealth. 

Why Men’s Health Needs More Attention 

Research shows that men often delay seeking medical help.3 There are numerous barriers that contribute to this delay including personal factors, cultural and the health system itself.3 Yet early detection and prevention are key. Nurse practitioners can provide timely advice, order relevant tests, and support treatment plans to help you stay on top of your health. 

Building the Foundations of Healthy Living 

A strong foundation of lifestyle habits supports long-term health and reduces the risk of chronic disease.4 You can start with small, sustainable changes such as5-8: 

  • Balanced diet: Aim for plenty of vegetables, fruits, wholegrains, and lean proteins. Reduce processed foods, salt, and added sugars. 
  • Physical activity: At least 150 minutes of moderate activity each week supports heart health, bone strength, and mental wellbeing. 
  • Sleep: Adults need around 7–9 hours of quality sleep to recharge and maintain focus. 
  • Alcohol and smoking: Reducing alcohol intake and avoiding smoking lowers risks of cancer, liver disease, and cardiovascular disease. 
  • Mental health: Staying socially connected, managing stress, and seeking help early if you experience anxiety or depression makes a significant difference. 

Nurse practitioners can guide you in setting realistic goals, provide support if you are making lifestyle changes, and connect you with additional services when needed. 

Chronic Conditions You Should Watch Out For:

Men have higher rates of certain chronic diseases that can significantly impact life expectancy and quality of life.2 Common examples include: 

  • Heart disease: Coronary artery disease including heart attack and stroke remain leading causes of death among Australian men.9 
  • Type 2 diabetes: Being overweight, having high blood pressure, or a family history increases your risk.10 
  • Cancers: Prostate cancer, melanoma, along with lung and colorectal cancers are of particular concern for men.11 
  • Mental health conditions: Depression, anxiety, and suicide disproportionately affect men, with suicide being a leading cause of death in younger age groups.12 

A nurse practitioner can assess your risk factors, arrange screening tests (such as blood pressure, cholesterol, or diabetes checks), and recommend treatment or referral pathways. 

Sexual Health and STI Awareness 

Sexual health is an important but sometimes overlooked part of men’s wellbeing. Talking about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can feel uncomfortable, but open conversations lead to better health outcomes. 

  • STIs such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis, and HIV can affect anyone who is sexually active.13 
  • Some infections may not cause symptoms but can still be passed on or cause long-term complications such as infertility.13 
  • Regular testing is recommended if you have new or multiple partners.13  
  • Condoms remain one of the most effective ways to reduce risk.13 

Through telehealth, nurse practitioners can discuss your concerns confidentially, arrange testing, and provide treatment or referrals if needed. 

Preventive Health Checks: Staying Ahead 

Prevention is often easier than treatment. Regular health checks help pick up issues early, when they are most manageable. Depending on your age and risk factors, you may benefit from: 

  • Blood pressure and cholesterol checks to monitor your heart health.14 
  • Diabetes screening if you have risk factors such as being overweight or having a family history.15 
  • Bowel cancer screening every two years from age 50, or earlier if you have a family history.16 
  • Prostate health discussions with a healthcare professional to assess whether testing is right for you.17 
  • Skin checks for early detection of skin cancers, especially if you work outdoors.18 

Nurse practitioners can advise on which checks are relevant for you, organise pathology or imaging, and ensure you understand your results. With telehealth, staying up to date with preventive care is simple and convenient. 

How Telehealth Nurse Practitioners Can Help 

With almost 1 in 10 men reporting not being able to access healthcare when they need, telehealth makes it easier than ever to access care today.3 With a telehealth nurse practitioner appointment, you can: 

  • Discuss your health concerns from the privacy of your home. 
  • Receive support for lifestyle changes and chronic disease management. 
  • Access prescriptions and referrals as required. 
  • Arrange pathology requests and review results without the need to visit a clinic. 
  • Get confidential advice and treatment for sexual health concerns. 

Telehealth complements the care you receive from your GP and other health professionals, helping you take proactive steps toward better health. 

Taking the Next Step

Your health is one of your most valuable assets. By making small changes, staying informed, and seeking professional support, you can reduce your risk of preventable illness and improve your quality of life. A telehealth nurse practitioner can provide convenient, expert care that fits into your lifestyle. 

Book an appointment today to take the next step toward better health. 

Book Now

References: 

  1. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Life expectancy & deaths. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Published April 9, 2025. Accessed September 23, 2025. https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports-data/health-conditions-disability-deaths/life-expectancy-deaths/overview 
  1. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. The health of Australia’s males. Published June 27, 2023. Accessed September 23, 2025. https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/mens-health/male-health/contents/how-healthy 
  1. Macdonald J, Mansour K, Wynter K, et al. Men’s and Boys’ Barriers to Health System Access. A Literature Review. Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care,; 2022. Accessed September 23, 2025. https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/2023-07/men-s-and-boys-barriers-to-health-system-access-a-literature-review.pdf 
  1. Department of Health and Aged Care. About preventive health in Australia. Australian Government. Published May 2, 2023. Accessed September 23, 2025. https://www.health.gov.au/topics/preventive-health/about 
  1. Department of Health. National Preventive Health Research Strategy 2021-2030.; 2021. Accessed September 23, 2025. https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2021/12/national-preventive-health-strategy-2021-2030_1.pdf 
  1. Department of Health, Disability and Ageing. Physical activity and exercise guidelines for adults (18 to 64 years). Department of Health, Disability and Ageing. Published May 10, 2021. Accessed September 23, 2025. https://www.health.gov.au/topics/physical-activity-and-exercise/physical-activity-and-exercise-guidelines-for-all-australians/for-adults-18-to-64-years 
  1. Health Direct. Sleep. Healthdirect.gov.au. Published November 2023. Accessed September 23, 2025. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/sleep 
  1. Health Direct. Mental health resources for men. Healthdirect.gov.au. Published June 2024. Accessed September 23, 2025. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/mens-mental-health 
  1. Heart Foundation. Key statistics: Cardiovascular Disease | Heart Foundation. Heartfoundation.org.au. Published March 6, 2024. Accessed September 23, 2025. https://www.heartfoundation.org.au/your-heart/evidence-and-statistics/key-stats-cardiovascular-disease 
  1. Diabetes Australia. Type 2 diabetes risk factors. Diabetes Australia. Published 2025. Accessed September 23, 2025. https://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/diabetes-risk/ 
  1. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Cancer. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Published July 2, 2024. Accessed September 23, 2025. https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/australias-health/cancer 
  1. Australian Institute of Family Studies. Mental health of Australian males: depression, suicidality and loneliness. Aifs.gov.au. Published September 2020. Accessed September 23, 2025. https://aifs.gov.au/tentomen/insights-report/mental-health-australian-males-depression-suicidality-and-loneliness 
  1. Australian Government. Frequently asked  questions about sexually  transmissible infections. Published August 2025. Accessed September 23, 2025. https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/2025-08/sexually-transmissible-infections-beforeplay-frequently-asked-questions.pdf 
  1. Health Direct. Should I be tested for heart disease? www.healthdirect.gov.au. Published December 2024. Accessed September 23, 2025. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/should-i-be-tested-for-heart-disease 
  1. Health Direct. Diabetes screening tests. www.healthdirect.gov.au. Published October 2024. Accessed September 23, 2025. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/diabetes-screening-tests 
  1. Health Direct. Bowel cancer screening. www.healthdirect.gov.au. Published October 2024. Accessed September 23, 2025. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/bowel-cancer-screening 
  1. Health Direct. Prostate specific antigen (PSA) test. www.healthdirect.gov.au. Published March 26, 2025. Accessed September 23, 2025. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/prostate-specific-antigen-PSA-test 
  1. Health Direct. Should I be checked for skin cancer? www.healthdirect.gov.au. Published December 2024. Accessed September 23, 2025. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/should-I-be-checked-for-skin-cancer 

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