Men’s Health, Diabetes & Antibiotic Awareness: Small Actions, Big Impact | Rodolico Health
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November brings together three vital health conversations: men’s health, diabetes prevention, and antibiotic awareness.
Each reminds us that small, consistent steps protect both personal and community wellbeing.
As an English-speaking GP in Florence, I often see how expat life can make prevention more complicated — new systems, new languages, unfamiliar care pathways. But with the right information, you can take confident action this month to safeguard your long-term health.
A Month of Prevention
Between World Diabetes Day (14 November), Movember, and World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (18–24 November), this month is all about proactive healthcare.
Early blood-sugar checks, open conversations about men’s wellbeing, and responsible antibiotic use all make a measurable difference to long-term outcomes.
Movember Foundation – Men’s Health
World Antimicrobial Awareness Week – WHO
Diabetes, Lifestyle & Long-Term Prevention
Type 2 diabetes can develop silently over years. Common early warning signs include increased thirst, tiredness, and changes in weight.
Key prevention checks include:
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Blood pressure and waist measurement
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Fasting glucose or HbA1c
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Cholesterol profile
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Mental health and sleep review
Rodolico Health can arrange private testing, preventive consultations, and follow-up support.
Antibiotic Awareness: A Global Responsibility
World Antimicrobial Awareness Week highlights how misuse of antibiotics drives resistance — one of the most pressing global health challenges.
As a GP trained in the UK, I’ve seen how easily antibiotics are prescribed for viral infections where they simply don’t help, and how much stronger our defences become when we focus on prevention instead.
Remember:
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Antibiotics don’t treat colds or flu.
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Never share or reuse leftover medication.
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See your doctor if symptoms persist instead of self-treating.
Antibiotic awareness isn’t just about prescriptions — it’s also about the everyday habits that stop infections spreading in the first place.
Good hand hygiene, cough etiquette, and staying up to date with seasonal vaccines (flu and COVID boosters) all play a crucial role in keeping infections — and resistance — under control.
WHO – Antimicrobial Resistance Overview
ECDC – Antimicrobial Resistance in Europe
Vaccines and Prevention in Tuscany: Practical Advice for Expats
In Tuscany, seasonal vaccination campaigns — including influenza and COVID booster programmes — usually begin in October and are coordinated through the Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (SSN).
These vaccines are typically free for residents aged 60 and over, people with chronic health conditions, pregnant women, and other priority groups.
If you’re an expat not yet registered with the SSN, you can still choose to be vaccinated privately through local clinics and pharmacies.
In practice, this usually means:
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Asking your GP for advice on the most suitable vaccine and timing
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Checking with local pharmacies or clinics for private vaccination services
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Keeping a personal record of your vaccinations
Seasonal vaccines — alongside good hygiene and responsible antibiotic use — are among the simplest ways to stay well during winter and to protect those around you. The Regione Toscana website has useful information.
Men’s Health Matters Too
Many men delay appointments until something feels wrong. Yet regular check-ups, mental-health conversations, and early screening prevent far greater problems later in life.
As a doctor with a special interest in mental health, I often see how physical wellbeing, emotional resilience, and cognitive style are deeply connected.
For many men, issues such as stress, burnout, or attention difficulties are intertwined with how their brains are wired — whether that’s ADHD, autism, or another form of neurodivergence.
At Rodolico Health, I combine clinical care with neuroaffirmative and wellness coaching, helping patients understand their own patterns and build sustainable routines that work with their energy rather than against it.
This integrated approach can make a genuine difference to mood, motivation, and long-term health.
You can read more about my background and approach here.
A Doctor’s Perspective
Whether it’s a quick blood test, reviewing prescriptions, or learning when not to take antibiotics, prevention starts with one small decision.
Being proactive is the most powerful treatment we have.