MEN'S HEALTH PAGE

Testicular Cancer -
This is the most common cause of cancer death in young men. About 1 in 500 men under 50 years will develop the disease and a quarter of these will die as a result. For patients diagnosed and treated early the cure rate is close to 100%. Therefore, it is important to be aware of your body and to seek medical advice if you are concerned about any changes you discover. Regular self examination will ensure you become aware of any change in the early stages, when the subsequent treatment can be most effective. 

Urinary Problems -
Men ages 55 years and over may suffer difficulties passing urine.
Problems my include:
  Difficulty starting to pass urine
  Having to pass urine frequently, either during the day, at night or both.
  Reduction in the power of the stream.
  Intermittent flow.
  A feeling of incomplete emptying.
  A feeling of urgency when wanting to pass urine.
These symptoms may be the result of an enlargement of the prostrate gland, which lies close to the neck of the bladder and can adversely affect bladder control. This is a very common problem in older men and although troublesome, is usually a benign condition. However, a small number of cases may be due to Prostrate Cancer.

General Health -
The doctors are always pleased to discuss any health matter of concern to you. Items such as erectile dysfunction is one of those areas with which many men do not like to admit they are experiencing trouble but it is a common problem. Fortunately, it is also one that usually responds well to medication. Only a very small proportion of cases need more radical intervention. Don't suffer in silence, make an appointment with your doctor now.

Blood Pressure - This is one of the most common medical conditions needing long term treatment. There are generally no obvious signs or symptoms of high blood pressure, so your should be checked regularly to make sure that your blood pressure is normal.
High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Other risk factors include: cigarette smoking, high cholesterol, high alcohol consumption and lack of physical activity.  If more than one risk factor is present your risk increases considerably.
If you need advice regarding stopping  smoking, losing weight, cutting down on alcohol consumption or taking up exercise, please make an appointment with one of the Practice nurses.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases - 
Please consult your GP if you need advice about contraception, sexual problems or sexually transmitted diseases.


Impotence
(Erectile Dysfunction)
This can be a worrying condition and is often easily remedied. Don't suffer in silence and don't be embarrassed to discuss the problem with your GP

Hearing - The hearing mechanism deteriorates as we get older and can in some cases turn into tinnitus, noises in the ear. There is no cure for this condition but hearing aids can help by amplifying incoming sound. It is worth seeing your doctor who can advise and where indicated, refer you to appropriate specialists.

Vision - Some causes of failing vision are remediable. It is worth having regular eye tests with an optician and remember eye tests are free if you suffer from diabetes, glaucoma or if you are registered blind or partially sighted.

Teeth - Even if you have dentures it is still important to see your dentist regularly. The dentist will check for diseases of the gums and soft tissues of the mouth, as ulcers and tumours can grow painlessly without you noticing.

Chiropdy - NHS Chiropody is available to anyone with a medical condition of the feet and as a result, require the specialised skills of a qualified chiropodist. This includes those with illnesses involving poor circulation such as Diabetes, Rheumatoid arthritis and Peripheral vascular disease.

Memory problems, confusion or dementia - If you care for someone with these problems you may need advice and support. The Alzheimer's Disease Society run a 'pop in' group on Wednesday afternoons at St Marks Church Library, Hinton Wood Avenue, Highcliffe from 1.30pm until 3.30pm telephone 01202 483241 for more information.