Tilligerry men invited to put their bodies over the 'pits'
4 June 2007
Men from the Tilligerry region are being invited to come and put their bodies over the ‘pits’ to check the status of their health at the Men’s Health Pit Stop as part of the annual Lemon Tree Passage Rural Fire Service Fair on Saturday 9 June.
The Pit Stop is being organised as part of Hunter New England Health’s Tilligerry Project for Seniors and Health, in conjunction with several community groups including Tilligerry Men’s Christian group, Lemon Tree Passage and Districts RSL Sub Branch, Tilligerry Lions Club and Lemon Tree Passage Rural Fire Service.
Community Development Worker for Hunter New England Health Nevenka Bareham said the Pit Stop is held as an awareness and health promotion activity for men, as well as to promote access to health services and visiting GPs.
“At the Pit Stop a man’s body is likened to a car and men can have their oil levels (blood pressure) tested, spare tyre (girth) checked and are asked if they have their exhaust (smoking levels), muffler (bowels) or spark plugs (prostate) checked regularly,” Ms Bareham said.
“It is important to focus on men’s health because in general, men in NSW die at higher rates than women,” she said.
“They also have higher rates of heart disease, cancer and injuries and accidents. In addition men consult their doctors far less than women. They also seem to ignore or not recognise the symptoms of an illness readily and often delay consulting a health service or doctor.
“Health services can also improve by being more ‘man-friendly’. This approach is an attempt to do that in a non-threatening and fun way.
“The exciting thing this time is the partnership with the men in the local community to help deliver the health message. A small group of us are meeting regularly in the weeks leading up to the fair to plan an event packed with lots of take-away and display information.”
The Tilligerry Men’s Christian Group has been formed for about a year in recognition of the need for men to link together and support one another in the spirit of friendship.
Don Burgoyne from the Christian Men’s group is asking local men: “Will you pass rego or need some work done? Come and visit us at the fair for your free check up.”
Contact: Shannon Ramadge
Phone: 4921 4924