Celebrating men and the changing face of men’s health

Friday 10 June, 2011

As part of Men’s Health Week, Hunter New England Health is encouraging men to monitor their health regularly and be aware of any illnesses or risks in their family history.

Men’s Health Week runs from 13 to 19 June and will focus on the ability of men to create a healthy and happier world for themselves, their families and the community.

HNE Health Men's Health Coordinator at Taree Community Health, Sam Di Paolo, said men need to be more proactive and take steps to monitor and improve their health.

“By taking preventative action we can reduce the danger of major health risks including stroke, cancer, cardiovascular problems and depression,” Mr Di Paolo said.

“By monitoring your health regularly and being aware of any illnesses or risks in your family history, you will be more likely to catch any health issues early and give yourself the best chance at surviving potentially life threatening illnesses, many of which don’t always have obvious symptoms in their early stages.”

Being proactive and focusing on preventative healthcare is also the focus of HNE Health’s priority areas, specifically: improving access to services by men by making services male-friendly; supporting and increasing the resilience of men across the life span; and increasing the participation of men in programs preparing them for fatherhood.

For more information go to: www.menshealthweek.org.au

HNE Health will host Pit Stop activities throughout the region during Men’s Health Week, and the next HNE Health Men's Health Forum is planned for Friday 26 August in Quirindi.

• A free Walcha Men’s Health Forum will be held at Walcha Ex-Services Club on Tuesday 14 June, from 9.30am to 3pm.Topics to be discussed on the day include metabolic syndrome, heart disease and stroke prevention, prostate and skin cancer, depression and mental wellbeing. A free health check Pit Stop will be available throughout the day. Morning tea and lunch will be provided. Anyone planning to attend should RSVP to Walcha HACC or Walcha Library on 6774 2471 or 6774 2550.

• Vegetable Creek MPS (Emmaville) will hold a 'Wear Blue for Men' day at Vegetable Creek MPS at 10.30am on Wednesday 15 June. Men from the Emmaville area are invited to pull on some blue clothes and come along to have their blood pressure checked and receive some free information about men's health. For more information contact Jenny Newberry on 6734 7900.

• The Tamworth Mental Health Promotion and Prevention Service will host a men's health display on Wednesday 15 June at the Big W Shoppingworld complex, in collaboration with OMNI (Older Men’s Network Inc.)

(HNE-2568)

Contact: Carisa Green

Phone: 4939 2280 or 4985 5522