MEN'S HEALTH

TESTICULAR CANCER

Warning signs are usually obvious and easy to spot and regular self examination will enable you to discover any changes immediately they occur.

A hard lump (like a pea) on the front or side of a testicle

Swelling or enlargement of a testicle

An increase in the firmness of a testicle

Pain or discomfort in a testicle or the scrotum

An unusual difference between one testicle and the other.

A heavy feeling in the scrotum

A dull ache in the lower stomach, groin or scrotum

If you have any of the above then it would be wise to make an appointment to see your GP immediately. With early treatment there is an excellent chance there will be no further problems.

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
Click for more information

How to check yourself
Everyone is different so if you are going to pick up any changes you need to know what's normal for you.
During or just after having a shower or bath is the best time to do your check as the warmth will have caused the testicles to drop further into the scrotum.
Hold your scrotum in the palm of your hand and feel the weight and size of your testicles. It is quite usual to have one slightly larger than the other or one that hangs lower.
Feel each testicle and roll gently between thumb and finger. Each should feel soft and smooth. Don't forget, towards the top back of each testicle is a tube, the Epididymis, that can feel lumpy and tender, which is quite normal.

If you detect a change of any type you should go to see your doctor as soon as possible. DO NOT WAIT A WEEK OR TWO to see if it gets better. It is probably not cancer and any changes should always be checked by your GP.

Don't forget, keep your eye on the ball

OVER 75 CHECK -
If you are over 75 years you are entitled to annual medical screening either at the surgery or in your own home if you are unable to attend the surgery.
The elderly can suffer from all the same problems affecting younger people as well as many conditions specific to old age.

Urinary Problems -
Men ages 55 years and over may suffer difficulties passing urine.
Problems may 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. The Highcliffe Medical Centre offers the first primary care based assessment program in the UK.
Dr John Pillinger has recently been awarded a Post Graduate Diploma from the Institute of Nephrology and Urology at the Middlesex Hospital, adding to the Practice expertise in this area of medicine.
If you believe you are suffering any of the above mentioned symptoms please enquire at reception about our Prostrate Screening Program.

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.

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.

FASTING FOR BLOOD TESTS

Some blood test require a minimum period of 14 hours without food. This is often more convenient for patients to do overnight with the blood sample taken early the following morning. This way most of the period without food is whilst asleep.
Fasting means absolutely no food and no drink apart from still water (NO tea, coffeee, fruit juice, alcohol etc.)