International Men’s Health Week runs from 15 to 21 June, and it is an important reminder for men and boys to stop, check in and take their health seriously.
Here in North Queensland, we know men often carry a lot. They work long hours, support families, run businesses, help neighbours, coach teams, care for country, fix things, show up when there is a cyclone, a flood, a breakdown or a mate in need.
But when it comes to their own health, many men still tend to put things off.
A niggle becomes “nothing”. Tiredness gets blamed on work. A skin spot is ignored. Stress gets pushed down. A check-up waits until next month, then next year.
Men’s Health Week is a chance to change that. Not with fear or lectures, but with a simple message: looking after your health is one of the strongest things you can do!
Why men’s health matters
Men in Australia generally live shorter lives than women and are more likely to experience serious health issues linked to heart disease, cancer, injuries, mental health and lifestyle risk factors.
The good news is that many of the health issues affecting men can be prevented, treated early, or managed better with the right support.
That does not always mean big changes. Sometimes it starts with a blood pressure check, a conversation with your GP, a skin check, asking about prostate or bowel screening, getting help to quit smoking, or talking honestly to someone you trust.
Small steps, taken early, can make a big difference.
Men’s health in North Queensland
North Queensland is a beautiful place to live, but it comes with its own health challenges.
Our climate encourages outdoor work, fishing, sport, gardening, boating, camping and weekends in the sun. That means sun safety and skin checks are especially important. In Queensland, UV levels can be high even in winter, and skin damage can happen quickly.
We also know that distance can make healthcare harder. For people living outside larger centres, getting to appointments can mean long drives, time away from work, cost, and delays. In communities around Cairns, the Tablelands, Cape York, Cooktown, Innisfail, Tully, Townsville, Mackay, Calliope and surrounding rural areas, access to care is not always simple.
That makes early action even more important. If something does not feel right, it is worth speaking up before it becomes urgent.
The health checks men should not put off
Heart health
Heart disease remains one of the major health concerns for Australian men. High blood pressure, high cholesterol and type 2 diabetes can develop quietly, without obvious symptoms.
A quick blood pressure check can be a useful starting point. If your blood pressure is high, your pharmacist or GP can help you understand what to do next.
It is especially worth booking a check-up if you have a family history of heart disease, smoke, are carrying extra weight, drink regularly, feel short of breath, experience chest discomfort, or have not had a health check in a while.
Skin checks
For North Queensland men, skin health deserves serious attention.
Men who work outdoors, play sport outdoors, fish, farm, mow, build, drive or spend weekends in the sun can accumulate UV damage over many years. A spot that changes, bleeds, crusts, grows, becomes painful, or looks different from the others should be checked.
Sun protection is not just for the beach. It matters on the job site, in the boat, at junior sport, in the garden and during winter.
Think hat, sunscreen, sleeves, shade and regular skin checks.
Mental health
Mental health is health.
Many men are good at checking in on others, but not always as good at saying when they are struggling themselves. Stress, grief, financial pressure, relationship strain, work demands, isolation and health worries can build up over time.
In regional and rural communities, men may also feel pressure to “just get on with it”. But talking early can prevent things from getting heavier.
Signs that it may be time to reach out include feeling flat or angry more often, withdrawing from people, drinking more than usual, sleeping poorly, losing interest in things, feeling overwhelmed, or thinking your family or mates would be better off without you.
If you are worried about yourself or someone else, talk to a GP, pharmacist, counsellor, trusted mate or crisis support service. You do not need to wait until things are at breaking point.
Bowel cancer screening
Bowel cancer is one of the cancers where early detection can make a real difference. Screening can find early changes before symptoms appear.
If a bowel screening kit arrives in the mail, do not leave it sitting in the drawer. It is simple, private and could save your life.
Speak to your GP if you notice blood in the toilet, unexplained weight loss, ongoing abdominal pain, a change in bowel habits, or unusual tiredness.
Prostate and testicular health
Prostate cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in men. The right time to talk about prostate checks can depend on age, symptoms and family history.
Men should speak with their GP about prostate health, especially if they are over 40 and have a family history of prostate cancer, or if they notice urinary changes such as needing to go more often, difficulty starting, weak flow, pain, or blood in the urine.
Younger men should also be aware of testicular changes. A lump, swelling, ache, heaviness, or change in how a testicle feels should always be checked.
It might feel awkward, but healthcare professionals have these conversations every day.
Diabetes and healthy weight
Type 2 diabetes is a major health issue across many Australian communities, including regional Queensland. It can increase the risk of heart disease, kidney problems, nerve damage, eye disease and slow wound healing.
Men should consider a diabetes check if they are often thirsty, tired, passing urine more often, experiencing blurred vision, getting recurring infections, or have a family history of diabetes.
Healthy eating and exercise do not have to be perfect to be worthwhile. Walking, swimming, fishing from the bank instead of sitting, joining a local sport, cutting back sugary drinks, packing lunch for work, and reducing alcohol can all help.
Alcohol, smoking and vaping
Many men use alcohol as a way to relax, socialise or manage stress. But drinking too much can affect sleep, mood, weight, blood pressure, liver health and relationships.
Smoking remains one of the biggest preventable causes of disease. Quitting is hard, but support works. Your pharmacist can talk through nicotine replacement options, medicines, cravings and strategies that fit your routine.
There is no shame in needing help to quit. It is one of the best health decisions you can make.
A message for partners, families and mates
Sometimes men need a nudge.
If there is a man in your life who keeps putting off a health check, encourage him gently. Offer to book together, drive him to the appointment, or ask a simple question like, “When was the last time you had that checked?”
For some men, the most powerful reason to look after their health is not themselves. It is being there for their kids, partner, parents, grandkids, workmates, teammates and community.
How your local pharmacy can help
Your local Vitality Pharmacy Warehouse is often one of the easiest places to start.
We can help with blood pressure checks, medication advice, diabetes support, smoking cessation, vaccinations, wound care, sun protection, sleep and pain management, and knowing when to see a GP.
You do not need to have all the answers before asking for help. A simple conversation can be the first step.
This Men’s Health Week, make one check
This week, choose one thing.
✅ Book the GP appointment.
✅ Do the bowel screening kit.
✅ Get your skin checked.
✅ Ask about your blood pressure.
✅ Talk to someone about how you are really going.
✅ Check in on a mate.
North Queensland men are known for being tough, practical and dependable. But real strength is not ignoring your health. It is doing something about it.
