A check-up could help

THE University of Western Sydney’s Men’s Health Information and Resource Centre wants men to take their health as seriously as they do their automobiles during International Men’s Health Week, from 11 to 17 June.
The week gives men a timely reminder to have a physical and mental health tune-up, and learn a bit more about the health challenges facing Aussie men.
Men’s health researcher, Anthony Brown, says Aussies need to become more proactive when it comes to taking care of their health.
“There’s a growing crisis when it comes to men’s and boys’ health. The Australian male’s life expectancy is 76 years, compared to 81 years for a female. Men get the rough end of the stick when it comes to dying from disease, with blokes having significantly higher death rates for illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, stroke, respiratory problems and diabetes,” said Mr Brown.
“Health services have also been slow off the mark in recognising and responding to the specific needs of men and boys.
“In Australia and other countries, men and boys experience significantly higher rates of suicide, drug and gambling addictions, violence, mental illness, crime, motor vehicle accidents and premature death. It’s complicated by the fact that men are more likely to shy away from seeking medical treatment of any kind, particularly if their problems are emotional or psychological.”
Mr Brown said we can only start reversing the problem of men’s poor health if we do the groundwork out in the community.
“International Men’s Health Week raises awareness of men’s health issues. It’s also a chance to celebrate men’s diversity, and the important contributions that men and boys make to their communities,” he said.
“Hopefully by tackling some of the health battles head on, there will come a time when men’s and boys’ health no longer seem like a contradiction in terms.”
•Article courtesy University of Western Sydney’s Men’s Health Information and Resource Centre.