Notts men urged to man up and see their doctor - or risk dying early

Heath experts from Nottinghamshire, are calling on men to tackle health problems head on and to seek advice if they have any symptoms.
By The Newsroom
Published 6th Jun 2014, 15:56 BST
File photo dated 25/01/13 of a model posing with a stethoscope, as the Prime Minister announced that millions of patients are going to be able to see their family doctors outside of work hours thanks to a new fund to extend GP opening times. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Monday April 14, 2014. David Cameron said that more than 7.5 million people will be offered increased access to their GP services through extended opening times and new consultation methods using video-phone services, email and phone. See PA story HEALTH Hours. Photo credit should read: Andrew Matthews/PA WireFile photo dated 25/01/13 of a model posing with a stethoscope, as the Prime Minister announced that millions of patients are going to be able to see their family doctors outside of work hours thanks to a new fund to extend GP opening times. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Monday April 14, 2014. David Cameron said that more than 7.5 million people will be offered increased access to their GP services through extended opening times and new consultation methods using video-phone services, email and phone. See PA story HEALTH Hours. Photo credit should read: Andrew Matthews/PA Wire
File photo dated 25/01/13 of a model posing with a stethoscope, as the Prime Minister announced that millions of patients are going to be able to see their family doctors outside of work hours thanks to a new fund to extend GP opening times. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Monday April 14, 2014. David Cameron said that more than 7.5 million people will be offered increased access to their GP services through extended opening times and new consultation methods using video-phone services, email and phone. See PA story HEALTH Hours. Photo credit should read: Andrew Matthews/PA Wire

On average, men visit their doctor half as often as women and 100,000 men a year die prematurely.

In support of the Men’s Health Forum’s National Men’s Health Week (June 9-15), the NHS is reminding men of the symptoms they should never ignore.

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Dr Ian Matthews medical director for NHS England, Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, said: “When it comes to addressing health problems, men can be too shy or embarrassed to speak to a health professional.

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“Seeking help or advice when a problem is first noticed will help patients get access to treatment faster giving them the best chance of making a full recovery.

“Therefore we would urge men to mark National Men’s Health Week by making a commitment to carry out regular self-checks so they can spot abnormalities as soon as they arise and seek advice early if a problem is discovered.”

Health symptoms men are urged to confront include: testicle lumps or abnormalities, changes to moles including itchiness, bleeding or changes to the colour or shape, feeling depressed or stressed, prolonged impotence or trouble urinating.

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Help is available from a number of sources. An appointment can be made with a GP or advice and guidance can be obtained by paying a visit to the local pharmacy. The public can also get health advice and be given guidance on the most appropriate NHS service to use by calling 111. The NHS Choices website is also a useful source of advice for patients which offers an online clinic service that enables members of the public to get quick answers to their personal medical problems from specialists, including consultants, GPs, nurses and other clinicians.

Dr Ian Matthews added: “These are all difficult subjects to discuss but GPs and pharmacists are professionals who deal with people, their bodies and illness on a daily basis. They won’t be shocked or embarrassed by what they are told and are there to help.

“If it makes things easier, when seeing their GP patients can ask to see either a male or female doctor when they call to make an appointment.”

Related topics:NottinghamshireNHSDerbyshire