Free Men's Health Check in Ringwood — Men's Health Month June 2026

This June, The Community Doctor in Ringwood is offering a FREE bulk billed Men's Health Check for all male patients. No gap fee. No out-of-pocket costs. Just comprehensive, compassionate care — right here in your community.

Most men will service their car more regularly than they visit a doctor. Sound familiar? You're not alone — but it's a habit worth changing. The conditions that affect Australian men most seriously — heart disease, type 2 diabetes, bowel cancer, prostate issues, and mental health — are all highly preventable or manageable when identified early through a thorough health check.

At The Community Doctor, our Ringwood GP clinic is committed to making preventive healthcare as easy and accessible as possible. Men's Health Month in June is our opportunity to remove every barrier we can — which is why we're bulk billing all Men's Health Checks throughout the entire month, with no out-of-pocket cost for Medicare card holders.

Whether you haven't seen a GP in years, or you simply want to know where your health stands, this is your invitation to take that first step. Keep reading to find out exactly what's included, why it matters, and how to book.

🧔 What Is Men's Health Month — And Why Does It Matter in Australia?

Men's Health Month is observed every June around the world, including across Australia. Since 1994, it has served as a dedicated platform to raise awareness about preventable health conditions affecting men and boys, and to encourage prevention, early detection, and healthier lifestyle choices.

This year's theme is "Partners in Care: Advancing Men's Health Through Connection, Education, and Advocacy Across the Lifespan." It reflects something we believe deeply here at The Community Doctor — that great healthcare is built on relationships. When men are connected to a GP they trust, health outcomes improve dramatically.

Men's Health Week runs from 15–21 June 2026, providing a focused national platform for conversations about physical health, mental wellbeing, and everything in between. It's a week that encourages blokes to check in on each other — and on themselves.

But why does this matter so much? The data is sobering:

Men are significantly less likely than women to visit a GP, attend regular health checks, or seek support for mental health concerns. The reasons are varied — busy schedules, discomfort with healthcare settings, cultural expectations around stoicism, or simply not knowing where to start. Our bulk billed Men's Health Check is designed to remove as many of those barriers as possible.

The encouraging reality? The majority of the conditions that cut men's lives short are preventable — or at the very least, highly manageable — when caught early through a comprehensive health check with your GP.

🩺 What's Included in Our Free Men's Health Check in Ringwood?

Our Men's Health Check at The Community Doctor is a structured two-step visit that gives both you and your GP a complete picture of your current health. It covers everything from your heart and metabolic health through to cancer screening and mental wellbeing — all in a comfortable, judgement-free environment at our Ringwood clinic.

Both steps are fully bulk billed throughout June 2026 — meaning no gap fee and no out-of-pocket cost for Medicare card holders.

❤️ Key Health Areas Covered in Your Men's Health Check

Heart Health & Cardiovascular Risk

Cardiovascular disease — including heart attack and stroke — is the single leading cause of death for Australian men. Yet in many cases, it develops silently, with no obvious symptoms until a serious event occurs. Your Men's Health Check includes a blood pressure reading, a discussion around cholesterol levels, and for men aged 45 and over (or 35 and over for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients), an absolute cardiovascular risk assessment using the AusCVDRisk calculator. This gives your GP a clear, evidence-based picture of your 5-year heart disease risk — and a plan to reduce it.

If your results suggest further investigation is needed, your GP can arrange a fasting lipid panel, ECG, or specialist referral — all as part of your care at The Community Doctor.

Type 2 Diabetes & Metabolic Health

Australia has over 1.3 million people living with type 2 diabetes, and a significant proportion remain undiagnosed. The condition often develops gradually and quietly — which is exactly why screening matters. During your health check, our nurse will measure your blood glucose and waist circumference, and your GP will complete the AUSDRISK assessment (Australian Type 2 Diabetes Risk Assessment) for men aged 40 and over. If your risk is elevated, early lifestyle changes — diet, exercise, and weight management — are highly effective at delaying or preventing the onset of diabetes entirely.

Cancer Screening

Cancer is the second leading cause of death for Australian men, with bowel cancer, prostate cancer, skin cancer, and lung cancer among the most common. Your Men's Health Check will include age-appropriate cancer screening discussions and referrals, including:

• Bowel cancer (FOBT): A free National Bowel Cancer Screening Program kit is available by mail for Australians aged 45–74. Your GP can help you understand your results and arrange a colonoscopy referral if needed.
• PSA / prostate health: Your GP will discuss the benefits and limitations of PSA testing, and offer a test where clinically appropriate — typically from age 50, or from age 40 if there is a significant family history.
• Skin cancer: Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. A brief visual check forms part of your check, and our GPs Dr Roy Othman and Dr Meindert Van Der Veer offer dedicated skin cancer consultations and procedures.
• Lung cancer: For current or ex-smokers with a significant history, your GP will discuss lung cancer risk and any appropriate screening or referral pathways.

Mental Health

Men's mental health is one of the most important — and most underserved — areas of healthcare in Australia. Men are significantly less likely to seek support for depression, anxiety, or emotional distress, yet they account for three in four suicide deaths nationally. At The Community Doctor, we take this seriously.

Your Men's Health Check includes a confidential mental health screening using the validated K10 Psychological Distress Scale. If results indicate further support would be beneficial, your GP can initiate a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) — which is bulk billed under Medicare and entitles you to up to 10 subsidised sessions with a psychologist or mental health professional per year. You don't need to be in crisis to ask for help. Our GPs provide a safe, non-judgemental space for every conversation.

Lifestyle & Preventive Health

The cumulative impact of daily habits — sleep, alcohol consumption, smoking, physical activity, and diet — on long-term health is profound. Your GP will conduct a structured lifestyle review and work with you to identify any areas worth addressing. This is not about lectures or judgement; it's about practical, achievable changes that make a real difference to how you feel now and in the years ahead.

If you smoke, your GP can discuss cessation support including nicotine replacement therapy and pharmacotherapy, and connect you with Quitline (13 7848) for additional help. If alcohol consumption is a concern, brief intervention and referral to appropriate support services is also available as part of your check.

Immunisations

Your nurse will review your immunisation history using the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) and flag any vaccines that may be due or overdue. For men aged 65 and over, free NIP-funded vaccines include the annual flu vaccine, the shingles vaccine (Shingrix — two doses), and the pneumococcal vaccine. For all men, a tetanus booster (every 10 years) and current COVID-19 vaccination status will also be reviewed.

• Persistent fatigue or low energy
• Changes in mood or irritability
• Difficulty sleeping or snoring
• Unexplained weight changes
• Chest discomfort or shortness of breath
• Changes in bathroom habits
• Low motivation or loss of interest
• Increased alcohol use or reliance
• Skin spots or lesions that have changed
• Urinary changes or difficulty

📋 Men's Health by Age — What to Prioritise at Every Stage

Not all health risks are the same at every age. Our GPs tailor your Men's Health Check based on your specific age group, lifestyle, and family history. Here's a general guide to what we focus on at each life stage:

👨‍⚕️ Meet the GPs Conducting Your Men's Health Check

At The Community Doctor in Ringwood, your Men's Health Check will be conducted by one of our experienced, RACGP-accredited GPs. Each of our doctors brings a unique set of skills and special interests to men's preventive healthcare:

• Dr Roy Othman — Practicing since 2000, Dr Roy takes a holistic, patient-centred approach to care. He has a special interest in skin cancer checks, skin lesion procedures, men's health, chronic disease management, mental health, and minor surgical procedures. He consults in English and Malay/Bahasa Indonesia.
• Dr Meindert Van Der Veer — A highly experienced Procedural Generalist (FRACGP, FACRRM) who has been practicing in Australia since 2000. His broad expertise spans skin cancer care, paediatrics, obstetrics, emergency and urgent care, anaesthetics, and minor surgery. He is also a passionate GP supervisor and Medical Educator.
• Dr Thiri Swe — With over 11 years of GP experience across Myanmar and Australia, Dr Thiri has a special interest in children's health, women's health, and chronic disease management. She consults in English and Burmese.
• Dr Grace Cheok — Passionate about empowering patients to take charge of their health, Dr Grace has special interests in women's and children's health, mental health, preventive healthcare, and minor surgical procedures. She consults in English, Malay, and Cantonese.
• Dr Bahareh (Bahar) Soleimani — A dedicated and compassionate GP with over 20 years of experience and a Fellowship with the RACGP. Dr Bahar specialises in women's health, antenatal care, family planning, contraception (IUD and Implanon insertion/removal), sexual health, children's health, mental health, menopause management, and preventive healthcare. She consults in English, Dari, and Farsi. Dr Bahar consults every Wednesday and Friday.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions — Men's Health Check Ringwood

💙 Why Preventive Health Matters — A Note From Our Team

At The Community Doctor in Ringwood, we see the impact of preventive care every day. A blood pressure result that reveals hypertension before a heart attack occurs. A skin check that identifies a melanoma while it's still treatable. A mental health conversation that opens a door someone has been standing outside of for years.

Preventive healthcare isn't about being unwell. It's about staying well — and knowing enough about your own health to act quickly when something changes. For men in particular, who statistically visit GPs far less frequently than women, a regular health check can be genuinely life-changing.

We're proud to offer this service to the men in our Ringwood community this June — and we'd love to see you come in, meet our team, and walk out knowing exactly where your health stands.

Don't wait for something to go wrong. Book your free Men's Health Check today.

Men's Health Week — 15 to 21 June 2026  |  The Community Doctor, Ringwood VIC 3134
Serving Ringwood, Croydon, Heathmont, Mitcham, Bayswater, Mooroolbark & surrounding areas

Medical Disclaimer: This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information provided is not a substitute for professional medical consultation, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified healthcare provider. Individual health needs vary — please speak with your GP at The Community Doctor to discuss what preventive health checks are most appropriate for your personal circumstances. In an emergency, call 000.