International Men’s Health Week

Today, Longevity Exercise Physiology teams at Drummoyne, Edgecliff, Marrickville, Bella Vista, Randwick, Pymble, Balmain, Neutral Bay, Coburg – Melbourne and Barrie, Ontario – Canada reflect on International Men’s Health Week.

International Men’s Health Week is an initiative to increase the awareness of preventable health conditions, mentally and physically. This includes improving knowledge surrounding the availability of early detection and treatment of these health conditions in men and boys.

Why men’s health?

Obviously, everyone’s health is a priority. Men’s Health Week is an opportunity to truly highlight the biggest challenges faced by men, aiming to help improve their health year-round. I asked two of our male Longevity Exercise Physiologists, Luke and Kale why Men’s health is important to them:

Luke:

“As a male, I personally I think it’s important as we should be good role models to our family, in my case my daughter. It’s most important for mental health to keep active and healthy”

Kale:

“Men‘s health is important to me because I believe it’s a facet of health that tends to be neglected in a way. Both from the individual (man) and stereotypes around it. The extremely old-fashioned attitude of “she’ll be right”, is more seemingly a conversation I have with my male clients, rather than my female clients. I truely believe this leads to chronic diseases being undiagnosed and males losing their quality of life when it can be prevented”

What are the biggest challenges?

One of the biggest challenges in men’s health is the stigma around men seeking help, thinking it may be perceived as ‘weak’. This lack of seeking help has a major roll-on effect regarding early detection and treatment of preventable diseases. Linking back to Luke’s response – being a good role model can be seen as doing what is best for yourself and your family. Seeking help will allow you the best chance of fending off or treating health problems – it will allow you to be around for yourself and others, longer.

 

“This lack of seeking help has a major roll-on effect regarding early detection and treatment of preventable diseases.”

Some statistics:

• Boys born today will die 4 years younger than girls
• Compared to women, men visit the doctor less frequently, have shorter visits and only attend when their illness is in its later stages
• Men die in greater numbers than women from almost every non-sex-specific health problem
  • 75% of all suicide deaths
  • 60% of trachea and lung cancers
  • 58% of blood and lymph cancers
  • 66% of cirrhosis and other liver diseases (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2015)

How can men make a change in these statistics?

• Have a regular check-up at least once a year. This is a simple thing you can do to help prevent serious illness
• Seek help if you aren’t feeling right – it’s not weak to seek help.
• Talk to your mates about your health – they are likely experiencing similar things or know someone who has.
• Take care of your body – participate in exercise, it has been shown to improve all aspects of health.

 

Luke and Kale, What are the main messages you would send to Men as health professionals?

 

Luke:

“Main message for me in terms of Men’s Health, is that as men we shouldn’t accept that it’s ‘normal’ to have a beer belly, ‘dad bod’ or drink excessively. It’s unhealthy and can lead to so many other health issues.”

Kale:

“Speak up. In both your physical and mental health. With this age of understanding and science, most illness/chronic disease can be treated. But, it comes back to US as men and the environment we develop for our fellow man.”

 

We here at Longevity are striving to change these figures in men’s health. If you or a male in your life is looking to improve their health – get in contact with us today on 1 300 964 002 for a free 15 minute consult.

 

Written by Grayson Keiran

 

 

 

 

 

 

References:

Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2015. 3303.0 – Causes of Death, Australia, 2015. [online] Abs.gov.au. Available at: <https://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/Lookup/by%20Subject/3303.0~2015~Main%20Features~Australia’s%20leading%20causes%20of%20death,%202015~3> [Accessed 28 May 2022].