This season of It Can't Hurt To Ask, we're taking a deep dive into your men's health questions and concerns.

This episode, we’re talking about chronic conditions—complex health conditions that can be long term or lifelong—and how genes and lifestyle can increase or decrease a man's risk.

Chronic conditions are the leading cause of illness, disability and death in Australia, where over half of our population lives with at least one. They include cancer, heart disease, diabetes, kidney and autoimmune disease, vascular, lung, neurological and mental health conditions, and more.

Our featured expert is urologist and Professor of Surgery, Dr Eric Chung, who shares his deep knowledge of what affects men’s health and how many chronic conditions are preventable or manageable.

You'll also hear from Queensland men, Sam and Dan, who share their life experiences with chronic conditions such as hypertension, stroke, and chronic pain.

What are the effects of genetics, diet, exercise, sleep, and stress on your chances of developing a chronic condition? How can technology help to reduce your risk? Where can you seek support? Listen to find out.

If you'd like to learn more about men's health, listen to other men's health episodes in our brand-new season. Also listen out for our final episode this season, where we explore how Queensland men can age well.

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Episode resources:

Chronic conditions

Many Australians live with chronic conditions, which can cause illness, disability and even death. Chronic conditions can lower your quality of life and may affect your independence.

You can take an active role in managing and preventing chronic conditions. You can work with your GP and specialist to manage your condition, reduce your risk and improve your quality of life.

To learn more, visit the Australian Government's chronic conditions website.

Where to get help

13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) is a confidential phone service that provides health advice to Queenslanders. You can phone and talk to a registered nurse 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for the cost of a local call. 13 HEALTH provides qualified health advice—it is not a diagnostic service and should not replace medical consultation. In an emergency always call Triple Zero (000).

Virtual emergency care is also available in Queensland. Visit our Virtual Emergency Care Service between 8am - 10pm for free specialist emergency care services, by telephone or video conferencing. You can also access the Health Direct symptom checker.

If you feel that you may be in need of mental health support and have never accessed a mental health service before, our mental health access line 1300 MH CALL (1300 642 255) is available 24/7. This is a confidential mental health telephone triage service and is the first point of contact to Queensland public mental health services.

Organisations like Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636) and the Men's Shed Association are also available to provide mental wellbeing support. Find your local Men's shed location to connect with your community face-to-face, or speak to a Beyond Blue counsellor online or by phone.