Men’s Health is a Priority
This Week 14-20th June is Men's Health Week. This is a great time to remind all boys and men in your life to make their health a priority.
DID YOU KNOW?
✅Australian men are more likely to suffer from chronic disease, accidents and death compared to women.
✅Australian men are expected to live shorter lives than women from birth.
✅Men that speak different languages, come from low socioeconomic or culturally diverse backgrounds, refugees or identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander are more likely to have their health negatively impacted.
OUR COMMUNITY, OUR MEN
In NSW, we should be making healthy living, eating and exercising a priority for men and boys. Western Sydney has the largest population growth in NSW with many young families and great culturally diversity. However, half of the people living in Western Sydney are overweight or obese and don’t get the recommended amount of exercise during the week. This has a negative impact on our heart health, which makes it more likely for people to suffer from cardiovascular disease.From a cultural point of view, men are traditionally seen as the head of the family and the community. Men are more likely to hide their emotions rather than show them. When that happens, they are less likely to ask for help and more likely to carry on even if they are not OK. Other people are also more likely to assume that men need less help. But we know that the sooner men start looking after their health, the better.
WHAT CAN WE DO?
Regular check-ups of your blood pressure and cholesterol levels are an important early step to improving your heart health. Book one online during Men’s Health Week hereComplete health checks are one of the best tools that men can use to identify health problems early. Your GP can help you with this.
Getting advice on how diet and exercise can make a difference. Check out our earlier blog post that has some greater tips Let the men in your life know that their health is a priority whether it’s your dad, brother, husband, son or your best mate.
Written by Jasneet Mander
2021. Men's Health Resource Kit. Western Sydney University.
Menshealthweek.org.au. 2021. Mens Health Week. [online] Available at: <https://www.menshealthweek.org.au/health-info>
2019. Primary Health Network Program Needs Assessment. Western NSW Primary Health Network.
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. 2021. The health of Australia’s males, Chronic conditions - Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. [online] Available at:
Menshealthweek.org.au. 2021. Mens Health Week. [online] Available at: <https://www.menshealthweek.org.au/health-info>
2019. Primary Health Network Program Needs Assessment. Western NSW Primary Health Network.
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. 2021. The health of Australia’s males, Chronic conditions - Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. [online] Available at:
