University Health Practice

🩺 Men’s Health Week runs from 15 to 21 June.

On average, Australian men live around four years less than women. Many are also less likely to visit a GP when something feels off, often waiting until symptoms become harder to ignore.

For a lot of men, that comes down to long-standing attitudes around “pushing through”, staying quiet, and not wanting to make a fuss. But small check-ins can make a big difference.

A routine GP appointment can provide key insights into your long-term health through a few simple readings:
• Body Mass Index
• Blood pressure
• Cholesterol levels
• Blood sugar levels

These numbers help build a clear picture of your health, allowing your GP to identify risks early and support you with practical steps before issues become more serious. Conditions like heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes often develop gradually and without obvious symptoms.

If you’ve been putting off a check-up, Men’s Health Week is a good reminder to book one in. Encourage a mate, brother, father, son, or colleague to do the same.

🦋 Today is World Eating Disorders Action Day, a moment to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and remind anyone who is struggling that support is within reach.

Eating disorders affect more than 1 million Australians, of every age, gender, background and body type. They are often invisible from the outside, which is part of why early conversations matter so much. Many people wait far longer than they need to before reaching out, often because of stigma, or a quiet sense that their experience isn't "serious enough" to warrant help.

We want you to know that it is.

If you're noticing changes in your relationship with food, eating, exercise or body image, or you're worried about a friend, family member or partner, your GP is a good place to start. A confidential conversation, a careful assessment, and a referral pathway to the right specialist support when you need it. You don't need a diagnosis, or to be at a crisis point, to come in and talk.

Recovery is possible, and early support makes a real difference.