By Dr Christolyn Raj
With International Men’s Health Week coming up from June 15-21, it’s a great time to pause, take stock and focus on doctor’s health and wellbeing (no matter what your gender). Here are some tips.
Get a GP
As doctors, it is often too easy to confer with our mates and peers on medical issues in quick corridor consultation. Remember that we all need an objective assessment of any medical issue, so get yourself a caring GP – one that you can visit easily, who suits your personality and style and that you can be completely transparent with.
Then make some time in your schedule to visit your GP. Initially this may just be for the basics: checking blood pressure and heart health, ensuring you’re up to date with vaccinations and considering age-appropriate screening tests. Or it may even just be for a chat about how you are getting on; it’s always nice to have a third party to check in with. Going forward, getting into a regular routine with your GP– one that covers off checking for common make cancers and mental health screening – is highly recommended.
Maintain your mental wellness
We know that men can struggle with mental health and are often reluctant to seek advice or support. I like to think the days of men having to be stoic and suffer silently and alone are behind us, so take time to get together with your mates and look out for signs they may be struggling. If you notice they’re a little withdrawn, have had an unexpected change or challenge in their career pathway or seem to have lost interest in activities they used to enjoy then it’s time to genuinely ask R U OK? How to ask R U OK?
Make time for exercise
Intern schedules are hugely busy, but you owe yourself the benefits of exercise. Many hospitals, RMO societies and health funds have affiliations with various gyms offering discounts on gym memberships and exercise related activities. If you are keen on combining exercise with socialising, take a look at the What’s On sports calendar which has information on upcoming fun runs, cycling and swimming events.
Dr Christolyn Raj is an ophthalmic surgeon, an honorary clinical lecturer and examiner at the Melbourne Medical School at the University of Melbourne and a clinical tutor and examiner for the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists.