Boorowa men of all ages were given some valuable and potentially life saving advice at an informative health seminar “Men’s Health Matters” held at the Ex-Services Club on Monday night.
Clinical psychotherapist and guest speaker Stephen Carroll spoke to around 80 local men about the many ways they are at risk physically and emotionally, and the strategies to safeguard against such
risks.
Attendees learnt that men who live in regional areas are even more susceptible to suicide and depression than their metropolitan counterparts.
There are more deaths from suicides than motor vehicle accidents in Australia each year.
“Men die young, get sicker, get imprisoned at a higher rate then women; drink and take drugs more then women and still we don’t get the message that we have to stop doing this at some point,” Mr Carroll said.
“Men also live 10 years less then women, and those that don’t in that 10 years have chronic ill health.
“Men attend their GP’s 40 percent less then women.
“Men just don’t seem to go.
“Men go when it is too late.
“There is no point waiting to get a disease, you have to stop getting it.
“You must be proactive with your health – so that means adopting a healthy lifestyle and getting regular checkups with your doctor.”
Issues relating to men’s sexual health were also discussed at length, including the risks of men contracting testicular and prostate cancer and the lifestyle practices that decrease the risks.
Boorowa Men’s Den secretary David Evans said all men who attended would have gained a great deal of knowledge about the simple behaviours that can potentially save a man’s life at any age.
Kay Nash from the Southern General Practice Network said the seminar was an eye-opener for many attendees, because in general men are less inclined to speak about their problems – even to their GP’s.
“There is a need [for the information] because men’s health is suffering because men don’t go to doctors unless there is something wrong,” Ms Nash said.
“The main thing is to get the message across to men that they should have checkups and go to the doctor.
“They shouldn’t just wait until their condition gets too bad. Everyone should do it.”
Three medical students from the Australian National University also attended the event to conduct medical test and meet the locals.
“We had medical students here because we wanted to encourage the young doctors to come out and work in rural areas, so they can meet rural people,” Ms Nash said.
“They really enjoyed it last night.
“All the men had their blood pressure and blood sugar checked by the young doctors.
“The doctors are really keen to come back.”
Although the last Men’s Health Matters event was held eight years ago, Ms Nash says more events will be planned in the future to ensure men are given the best information to protect their health.
In October, Mens Sheds from regional centres including Young, Boorowa, Harden, Grenfell and Yass will participate in a health check day and enjoy a social game of bowls.
Ms Nash said it will be a great opportunity for all the Mens Sheds to get together and exchange ideas about important health issues.
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