Men's health courses: the checks to book and the habits that help
Straightforward information on the free and low-cost checks available to men in New Zealand, and the everyday habits around food, alcohol, activity and stress that support them.
- Courses coming soon
- Tools in every course
- Certificate included
Many common health problems, such as high blood pressure, raised cholesterol and type 2 diabetes, cause no symptoms at first. That is why New Zealand general practices offer a heart and diabetes check, also called a cardiovascular risk assessment. National guidance suggests most men have their first check from age 45, and Māori, Pacific and South Asian men from age 30, or earlier if there is diabetes, a strong family history or other risk factors. It looks at blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, weight, smoking and family history, and estimates your risk of a heart attack or stroke over the next five years.
Screening matters too. The National Bowel Screening Programme posts a free home test kit every two years to people in the eligible age range; check the Time to Screen website for the current ages. New Zealand does not run a prostate cancer screening programme; instead, men can discuss whether a PSA blood test makes sense for them with their GP. Alcohol in New Zealand is counted in standard drinks, each containing 10 g of pure alcohol, and the number of standard drinks is printed on every can and bottle.
Our men's health courses are being added to this topic. In the meantime, the weight management, fitness, mental wellbeing and sleep courses, written by Dr Aqsa Mukhtiar, PhD in Nutrition, cover the habits behind these checks. A Green Prescription from your GP or practice nurse is another way to get free support with being more active.
All men's health courses
New courses for this topic are on the way. Browse the other topics in the meantime, or contact us about the course you need.
Where to start today
- Weight and waist: the weight management courses cover energy balance in kilojoules, meal planning and keeping changes going.
- Strength and fitness: the fitness topic has a beginner strength course you can do at home.
- Stress and anger: the mental wellbeing courses teach practical skills for unhelpful thoughts and anger.
- Sleep: the sleep courses start with a two-week diary and a wind-down plan, including help for shift workers.
- Everyday food: the nutrition courses cover the four food groups, labels and budget meals.
Tools men find useful
- Energy needs calculator and weekly tracker: an estimate in kJ and kcal, and a simple way to watch trends.
- Workout log and exercise cards: a record of each session so you can see strength build over time.
- Label cheat card: sodium, saturated fat and sugars per 100 g, and how to use the Health Star Rating.
- Anger log and calm-down card: notice early warning signs and have a plan for stepping away.
- Two-week sleep diary: see your real sleep pattern before you try to change it.
Symptoms not to ignore
See your GP if you notice:
- any new lump, swelling or heaviness in the testicles
- getting up at night to urinate more than before, a slow stream or trouble getting started
- blood when you urinate or open your bowels, or bowel changes that do not settle within a few weeks
- unexplained weight loss, or erection problems that keep happening
Ring 111 straight away for crushing or spreading chest pain, or if you see the FAST signs of stroke: Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call. If life feels too hard or you are thinking about suicide, call 111, or free call or text 1737 to reach a counsellor.
Men's health: your questions
What is a heart and diabetes check?
It is a check at your general practice that looks at blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, weight, smoking and family history, and estimates your risk of heart attack or stroke over the next five years. Your GP or nurse then talks you through ways to lower it.
When should I have my first heart and diabetes check?
National guidance suggests most men from 45, and Māori, Pacific and South Asian men from 30. People with diabetes, a strong family history or other risk factors may be advised to start earlier. Ask your GP when is right for you.
Who gets a bowel screening kit?
The National Bowel Screening Programme posts a free home test kit every two years to eligible people in the screening age range. The starting age has been changing, so check the Time to Screen website or ask your GP whether you are due.
Should I ask my GP for a PSA test?
There is no national prostate screening programme in New Zealand. A PSA test has benefits and downsides, so talk it through with your GP to decide whether it is right for you.
What counts as a standard drink?
In New Zealand a standard drink contains 10 g of pure alcohol. The number of standard drinks is printed on every can and bottle, so a strong beer or a large glass of wine can be more than one.
Can partners and whānau use these pages?
Yes. They are written for men, but partners, sons, daughters and mates often read them first and help book the check.
Official sources
Book the check, then build the habit
Ask your general practice when your heart and diabetes check is due, then pick one course to support the result.