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Australian men are being urged to put any awkwardness to one side and tackle their health and wellbeing head on. Looking after your mates cannot be understated, as mental health and suicide is again the leading cause of death for Australian men aged 15-44.

Mental health

We know that 43 per cent of men will experience a mental health symptom at some point in their lives and that men are less likely than women to seek help. Tragically, we also know men are three times more likely to die from suicide. In fact, suicide is the leading cause of death in men aged 15 to 44.

If you’re struggling, Bupa member or not, you can head online to our website and use our mental health navigator service. It’s also a good idea to seek help from your GP. If you, or someone you know needs urgent support, you can call Lifeline (available 24/7) on 13 11 14.

Bupa customers have access to a range of support services including an online, clinically backed program called This Way Up, which members can access one free module.

Heart health

About 30 per cent of all of us will experience a heart problem at some point in our lives. For men, heart disease is more likely to hit at a younger age.

If you’re between 45 and 79, you should think about getting a heart health check from your GP. If you have diabetes or are First Nations, your doctor is likely to recommend a heart health check before the age of 45. The doctor will check your blood pressure and is likely to send you for some blood tests to look at your cholesterol and your sugar levels.

You can expect questions about your diet, exercise, if you’re a smoker, alcohol intake, and whether you’ve got any family history or other medical problems.

Tips for good heart health:

• Don’t smoke
• Limit your alcohol intake
• Lower your fatty food intake
• Eat wholefoods including plenty of fruit and veg
• Aim for 30 minutes of exercise on most days. This could be a walk, run, going to the gym, or other physical activity that’s appropriate for you.

Testicular cancer

Testicular cancer is the second most common cancer in young men. It’s treatable if caught early, but there is no screening program, so it’s important that you check yourself for any changes. If you find something that’s not quite right, the best thing to do is not panic. Go and have a chat with your GP.