The Dad Check-Up: The Health Stuff You’ve Probably Been Avoiding

A quick blood pressure check - because showing up for your kids starts with looking after yourself.

You’d never skip your kid’s immunisations, ignore their cough for weeks, or say, “It’ll be right” when they’re limping. But your own body? That’s a different story.

For a lot of dads, health check-ups fall somewhere between alphabetising the sock drawer and rewatching Home and Away reruns. In other words - not a priority. But showing up for your family long-term means sticking around, and sticking around means doing the basic stuff to keep yourself in good nick.

What’s Actually on the Dad Health Checklist?

1. The GP Visit (Yep, just a regular one)

When was your last check-up that didn’t involve a sports injury or a random rash? Book a full health check, especially if you're 40+. Your GP can screen for blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes risk, prostate health, and more.

2. Get a Skin Check

This is Australia. The sun doesn’t muck around. One dodgy mole can be more dangerous than any dodgy mechanic. Book in with a skin clinic once a year - especially if you spend a lot of time outside or were a sunscreen rebel in your 20s.

3. Know Your Numbers

Blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar - these are the silent assassins. You can feel totally fine and still be at risk. Get a simple blood test. Know your baseline.

4. Sleep

If you’re always tired, irritable, or feel like you’re running on fumes, it might not just be “dad life.” Poor sleep affects everything from mood to heart health. If snoring or insomnia is a regular thing, get it checked.

5. Rethink the Weekend Beers

A couple is fine. A dozen? That’s another story. Regular heavy drinking increases your risk for heaps of health issues. You don’t need to go teetotal - just be honest with yourself about the habits you’ve normalised.

6. Move Your Body (Even a Bit)

You don’t have to join CrossFit or run marathons. A 20-minute walk each day makes a real difference. Your future self (and knees) will thank you.

“I’m Fine” Isn’t a Health Plan

Being the strong, reliable dad doesn’t mean being invincible. The kids need you not just now - but in 10, 20, 30 years. And they’ll take their cues from how you look after yourself.

Getting a check-up isn’t weakness. It’s part of the job.

“Men are often reluctant to seek help, but it’s one of the smartest things they can do to stay healthy and be there for their families.”

— Dr. Grant Blashki, Lead Clinical Adviser at Beyond Blue

DADDING IN ACTION

Book a GP appointment this week. Even if you feel fine. Especially if you feel fine.

RESOURCES:

• Healthy Male (Andrology Australia)

  • Comprehensive evidence-based coverage of men’s health issues—everything from heart health to sexual wellbeing, with practical checklists and expert advice.

• Tackle Talk – A Men’s Health Podcast 

  • A fortnightly podcast featuring doctors and medical experts discussing real, often overlooked, men’s health topics—from prostate cancer to joint health.

• MensLine Australia 

  • A 24/7 national telephone and online counselling service for men facing emotional and relationship pressures—available even during health check concerns.