Men's Health

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Health Information and Resources

As always, health information you might find on the internet, in publications or get from friends is at best a guide and is no substitute for advice from a real doctor.

This site does not have detailed information about health matters. It has links to other sites which may include the detail you are after. If you are seeking information on a particular disease or condition, such as high blood pressure or angina, go to one of the links below.

• For comprehensive information on health matters go to the Australian Government departments:
  
  • Health and Ageing
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  • Family and Community Services
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• Australian Medical Websites. A list of many of the medical websites within Australia.
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• Adverse Medicine Events. Consumer access to advice about adverse drug reactions and medication errors through the Adverse Medicine Events consumer reporting hotline.
Go there
or phone Adverse Medicine Events Line 1300 134 237


• Better Health Channel. Established by the Victorian Government, its role is to provide the community with access to online health information which is quality assured, reliable, up-to-date, and locally relevant. Under the topic "Life stages" are more than 60 articles for seniors.
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• Drug database at myDr. Information on prescription, over-the-counter and some alternative medicines available in Australia.
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• GastroNet Australia provides accurate, up-to-date information for patients, to be used with guidance from health professionals. The site includes information and links on gastrointestinal diseases, special diets and patient support organisations.
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• HealthAtoZ is a comprehensive health and medical resource developed by healthcare professionals. The site includes interactive tools, community tools, and information centres giving free and fast access to health and medical information.
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• HealthInsite is an Australian Government initiative. It aims to improve the health of Australians by providing quality information from leading health information providers. A comprehensive resource of up-to-date information on topics such as diabetes, cancer, mental health, hypertension and asthma. Grouping is by lifestyle, conditions and diseases, life stages and events and population groups.
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• Health Network is an online health information database separated into life stages. You can also browse by condition, treatment and test. It also publishes a wide range of information on worldwide health and welfare issues for travellers.
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• Holistic Medicine. Holistic-online provides detailed information about holistic, integrative, alternative, and mind-body therapies. Topics include natural remedies, nutrition, vitamins and minerals.
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• Home Medicines Review. You may benefit from this program if you take a number of medicines, if you are having difficulty with your medicines or if you have recently been discharged from hospital or from care. Talk to your GP or pharmacist if you think you might benefit from a home medicines review. The government pays the pharmacist and the GP's service will be charged the same as for any other consultation (that is, it may be bulk billed or you pay the doctor and claim a medicare rebate). Find out more:
Go there
Phone PBS Information Line: Freecall 1800 020 613


• The US Mayo Clinic's comprehensive website has a wealth of information on disease management and medicines. The Drug Information covers prescription and over-the-counter drugs (in the US).
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• Medicines Line is a National Prescribing Service (NPS) telephone information service which provides consumers with independent and accurate information about the safe and effective use of their medicines.
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Phone 1300 888 763, Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm EST.


• MEDLINEplus Health Information is a service of the US National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health. 'Health Topics'; has information on conditions, diseases and wellness, plus a medical encyclopedia, and "Drug Information" has details on generic and brand name drugs.
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• Men's Health Program is from the Department of Veterans' Affairs. While aimed at veterans, most of the information is applicable to all men.
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• Multicultural Health Communication Service, NSW provides information on various health topics in many languages including English.
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• Olderwise from the Wesley Healthwise Centre in Queensland aims to:
  • Supply older people with information that is current, relevant and accurate;
  • Provide a means by which you can identify health services and resources;
  • Assist you in your search for information.
  In addition to general health advice there is information and links for major conditions of the body and mind.
Go there


• Pelvic Floor Function...and the Bowel. This website is aimed at women who have bowel problems which may relate to pelvic floor muscle weakness.
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• Preventing Falls. NSW Health has a comprehensive report 'Preventing Injuries from Falls in Older People.' It discusses the many causes of falls and the countermeasures that can be applied.
Go there


• Science for Seniors. This US site has the latest information about diabetes, congestive heart failure, alzheimers, cancer and ageing. Science for Seniors is about making sure we are not left behind on the road ahead when it comes to senior health medicine, assistive technologies and new knowledge that can empower seniors.
Go there

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Prostate cancer screening

Having a simple blood test to determine the presence of prostate cancer may seem like the easy option, when compared to the alternative examination.  But just how effective are these blood tests and do they really help?

Prostate specific antigen (PSA) is the blood test that detects the presence of prostate cancer, usually combined with a rectal examination.  With no major cancer organisation endorsing PSA screening, is there really a need for it?  Even the urologist from Stanford University in California who originally highlighted the PSA test, has recanted his statement.

The treatment for prostate cancer, even when detected early on, is radical and toxic, therefore, one would like to be certain that it is necessary.  PSA can detect rogue cells that may never develop into cancers, or may do so only at a much older age.  This why PSA should not be used in isolation.

For more information on prostate screening, visit the National Cancer Institute.

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Cancer fighting super foods

While the obvious factors of smoking, obesity, alcohol and sun exposure are leading causes in increasing the risk of developing cancer, the foods we eat can influence our susceptibility to certain types of cancer.

Some of the foods with the strongest protective anti-cancer effects are:
- carrots
- tomatoes
- citrus fruits
- broccoli
- cabbage
- brussel sprouts
- bok choy
- asian greens,
while limiting the following foods in your diet will help influence your susceptibility to cancer:
- fatty processed red meats
- highly processed foods that are low in fibre
- heavily salted and pickled foods

For more information on how to eat better and reduce your risk of cancer, visit the Better Health Channel.

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Men’s health checks

Aside from standard health checks that should be carried out regularly, there are some tests that women should have.

Prostate cancer – from age 50, you should have your prostate checked annually or. If you have a family history of prostate cancer, you should have your prostate checked from 35 onwards.

Testicular cancer – regular self checks should be carried out by all men, consult your doctor if you notice any abnormalities.

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Men Living Longer

Gone are the days of the beer swilling, cigarette smoking, lay-about Aussie bloke it seems.  Men are giving up smoking, cutting down on alcohol, taking regular exercise and are being rewarded by a longer life!

No longer is popping along to the GP for a health check the domain of women.  Men have conquered their fear of doctors’ surgeries and realised this is indeed a good idea.
A report by the Department of Health and Ageing attributes these factors to the forecast that the number of people over 65 will have more than doubled to 6.3 million in 2036, with 1.1 million of us making it to over 85.
The report, Older Australia at a Glance, shows that 46.6% of the total population over 65 in 2036 will be male an increase of 1.6% on today’s figures.  For more information on how to continue this trend by improving your health and quality of life, read about the four lifestyle changes key to living longer.