Check your engines, lads!
It’s well known that Australian men tend to care for their cars more than do for their bodies and health. Unfortunately the need for Aussie blokes to have regular check-ups has never been so dire.
Currently, men aged between 25 and 64 are three times more likely to die of heart disease, twice as likely to die of lung cancer and almost twice as likely to die of a stroke as women in the same age group.
With this in mind, Hunter New England Health is holding a Men’s Health Pit Stop program from 2.30 to 7.30pm on Thursday 1 September at Belmont Bunnings, offering basic health checks and information on men’s health issues.
“Pit Stop is a men’s health check based on a mechanical theme, likening body parts to an engine,” Ken McKenzie, Allied Health Research and Project Officer said.
“So when health workers ask to check your ‘spare tyre’, they want blokes to have their waist measurement taken and when they check your ‘fuel filter, you will have a screen for diabetes.”
“Leading up to this years Father’s day celebrations, we’re issuing a challenge for men to put their bodies over the pits and see if they qualify for a roadworthy certificate or whether they need to have further testing with their general practitioner,” Mr McKenzie said.
Men need to understand:
• Many serious conditions can be prevented if caught early, so don’t stick your head in the sand (or under the bonnet) and think “she’ll be right.” All men should see their GP at least once a year for testing of blood pressure, blood glucose (diabetes), skin cancer, cholesterol and anything else they have a family history of.
• Men over 40 need an annual Bowel Scan and men over 50 a simple test for prostate cancer.
• Testicle self-examination is just as important as breast examination is for women. Don’t be embarrassed to ‘dig in’ and feel for lumps or changes and see your GP immediately you have any concerns.
• Don’t quit trying to quit smoking! Phone Quitline on 137 848 for support.
• Get Healthy Information and Coaching is a NSW Health phone service offering free personal coaching for healthy eating and activity, available via www.gethealthynsw.com.au or phone 1300 806 258
• The new national guidelines for safe drinking are to have at least two alcohol free days a week, no more than four standard drinks in one sitting and ideally no more than two a day. Do you know what makes up a standard drink for the type of alcohol you drink?
For more information about men’s health services, phone Commonwealth Carelink on 1800 052 222 and for 24-hour general health advice, phone Health Direct Australia on 1800 002 222.
Contact: Abbey Wright
Phone: (02) 4921 4477