Of Men's Health - Part Two

As I posted earlier, with all the press about Movember and Men’s Health in general, It occurred to me that I could not actually remember the last time I went to see a Doctor for a checkup. I am a typical male as far as that is concerned. We don’t go to visit Doctors unless things are green, crusty, or there is a suspicious rash. (And no, that’s not a description of me!)I think I am in ok shape. A little overweight perhaps, but I eat well, and don’t drink to excess. But there is a bit of buzz around prostate cancer, and the need for guys my age to get checked out.So, I decided to do something about it.I made an appointment at my local GPs, not having any idea whatsoever as to who my last GP was. (see i told you it was a long time). I asked for an initial consultation to basically create a baseline for monitoring improvement or decline over the next few decades.I arrived at the surgery ahead of time. I was a little bit nervous. I wasn’t sure about the prospect of a prostate check. There was a degree of ‘uncomfortable boy humour’ surging throughout my Twitter timeline which really wasn’t helping.As I am not a fan of surgeries in general, I caught myself eyeing the door for a quick escape.A Doctor was wandering around. At least I assume he was a Doctor. He was wearing check walk shorts and pink ankle socks. This wasn’t encouraging at all. I do have broad expectations as to what Doctors should look like and that they can actually afford to buy fashionable clothes.Thankfully he wasn’t mine.Mine arrived and he spoke unaccented English which was unexpected! So - in for the consult.Blood Pressure - elevated. I am a little surprised. Of course, that may be due to my having to rage at a client a little earlier, so I’ll go back for a re-test in a couple of weeks. My weight is good. I’m not obese (bonus). My heart is good. My lungs are good. My diet is good. My exercise is good. My mental health appears to be good!I was waiting for the ‘drop your pants, bend over and think of Mother England’.It never came. I quizzed the Doc. Apparently it’s recommended for 50 year olds, or younger if symptoms start to show. RELIEF!! I won’t be singing Show Tunes in the office this afternoon.That being said, because I made the effort I decided to get a full blood workup. Cholesterol, PSA, Hepatitus etc. I figure I may as well find out exactly what my health is like. The Doctor was a little reluctant to do the PSA test as they often (?) return false positives thereby generating panic and obsession with tests and re-tests.So - guys. Its not scary. It is so important that we men keep ourselves healthy and get into the habit of ongoing checkups. Our ladies deserve to keep us around as long as possible, and in the best possible shape. Get your appointments booked.And if you're of a mind, please support Movember and make a donation. I'm not growing this half-assed moustache for nothing!Simon.