Call to action ... men get chance to walk the talk

7 June 2010

Merv Hughes said it and now the men of Tamworth and surrounding areas have the chance to put talk about the importance of men’s health into action.

Men of all ages, shapes, sizes and fitness are invited to attend a free men’s healthy lifestyle day that will include demonstrations, games and fitness exercises, and a free breakfast and lunch.

The Beatin’ Them Blues Away men’s healthy lifestyle day will be held on Saturday, 19 June 2010 from 7.30am to 2.30pm at the Tamworth Community Centre in Darling Street.

The event is a collaboration between Hunter New England Health’s Mental Health Promotion and Prevention Service and Tamworth Anglican Counselling Service, and supported by 360 Fitness Club.

Senior Mental Health Promotion Officer Dr Alan Avery said the aim is to increase men’s awareness about the importance of maintaining regular physical activity and related social and emotional health as part of a healthy lifestyle.

“Merv Hughes was in Tamworth recently as the ambassador for Andrology Australia for a very successful evening promoting the importance of men’s health,” Dr Avery said.

“Our free healthy lifestyle day is building on that and gives local blokes a chance to put words into action.

“The day is not about arduous exercise; it’s more about testing out some fitness options and seeing what is available locally. But the guys should bring along their joggers, shorts, T-shirt, water bottle … and deodorant,” Dr Avery said.

While the day is free, registration is essential as places are limited. To register please contact Dr Avery on 6767 8619 by Wednesday 16 June.

The day starts with some warm up exercises at 7.30am followed by a healthy breakfast at 8am and there will be a range of demonstrations and exercise options available throughout the morning –from an arm wrestle challenge to a low intensity short course fitness circuit, and from Wii Fitness demonstrations to yoga.

Blokes will also be able to get a free massage as well as having their blood pressure and pulse checked. Personal trainers, an exercise physiologist, nutritionist and health and mental health workers will be on hand to provide guidance, support information and advice.

Guest speakers will include Director of the Northern Inland Academy of Sport Peter Annis-Brown and author Matthew Johnstone, who has written a number of books including Living With a Black Dog and Alphabet of the Human Heart: The A to Zen of Life.

“Too often men are reluctant to discuss their health with other men or health professionals or feel unwilling to engage in regular healthy activities. And the incidence of chronic illness and mental health problems such as depression and anxiety is known to be higher for men living in rural areas,” Dr Avery said.

“This event will help men to learn how to avoid and deal with these problems, to de-stress and to get into a healthy routine.”

Contact: Frances Holz

Phone: 4939 2216