Men encouraged to tackle health head-on
15 June 2009
International Men’s Health Week (June 15-21) provides an opportunity to increase awareness about important male-specific health issues. The focus of the 2009 event is preventative health and healthy behaviours that men can adopt in relation to physical, mental health and sexual health and function.
Hunter New England Health Senior Health Promotion Officer, Graham Fazio, says knowing more about your body, how it works, and what diseases can affect it, is the first step towards promotion of good health, prevention of health problems and a healthier life.
“For too long men either ‘tough it out’ or wait until their mother or wife encourages them to get a health concern checked. The problem with this strategy is that men and boys suffer unnecessarily and often wait too long to get the health care they need,” Mr Fazio said.
“Men who take responsibility for their health and tackle it head-on, can start to know the questions to ask and what they can do to keep themselves free of many of the diseases that doctors and other health professionals refer to as ‘lifestyle diseases’. It does take a bit of effort, but making the most of your health now means you can enjoy it for much longer, and you can have much more fun with your family and friends.”
One of the most practical things that men can do to assess their health during Men’s Health Week is to visit their GP for a Men’s Health Check. During the check-up, the doctor will take a thorough medical history of you and your family. The check-up will also involve a medical examination that might include:
- Blood tests to check cholesterol and blood sugar levels
- A height, weight, eye and ear check
- A prostate check
- A skin lesion and mole check
There will also be an opportunity for you and your doctor (and other health professionals located at your local Community Health Centre) to develop plans for exercise, weight reduction, healthy eating and managing stress, as well as address other concerns such as impotence, depression, arthritis and relationship issues.
Hunter New England Health has made available a number of health experts, to speak to media outlets about a variety of men’s health messages. These include:
- Nessie Stewart (Taree CHC): Aboriginal Men and their roles in strengthening their communities
- Phil Long (Taree CHC): The importance of making time to spend with your kids and grandkids
- Luke Allan (Tamworth): Holistic Aboriginal Men’s Health
- Tania Mills (Inverell): Pit Stop benefits for men
- Loretta Baker (East Maitland): The importance men’s emotional health
To arrange an interview with one of these health professionals, please contact Communication Officer Carisa Green.
(HNE-1882)
Contact: Carisa Green
Phone: 0428 106 183