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Men's Health

Why focus on men's health? Although men are usually physically stronger than women, they're not always healthier - and are more likely to die sooner. A report on men's health from the NSW Department of Health highlights some differences between men and women. On average, men die six years earlier than women. After the first year of life, the death rate for boys is 35 per cent higher than girls. Fifty per cent of men in Australia are overweight. Men are more likely to have heart disease and cancer. Around twice as many men die of skin cancer than women. In people under 65, cigarette smoking causes around 40 per cent of deaths in men, compared to 20 per cent of deaths in women although young women smoking is an increasingly serious health problem. Men are more likely to die or be seriously injured as a result of road accidents, falls, drownings, accidents at work, or violence. They are more likely to die of alcohol abuse. Men are three times more likely to commit suicide than women.

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How do we improve men's health? A good place to start is in families. Now it's time for men to take action themselves, not only for their own sake, but also for the sake of their children. Fathers who set a good example with a healthy lifestyle, and safe behaviour in areas like driving, drinking and sport are more likely to raise healthier sons.

It is important that men never underestimate their role as a father and vital member of the community. Men need to be supported through the maize of commitments that are faced when becoming a father (or stepfather) Balancing family and work, stress and unavoidable daily activity, staying physically and mentally fit and learning to become a father (or son) all require conscious effort if you are to achieve what you need.

The Area Health Service Child and Family Teams can support and educate you in many of these areas. From nappy changing, personal counselling, and physiotherapy to referral to men’s specific services, your local community Health Centre can assist you to meet your needs. The Men’s Resource Centre in Lismore can also be of great assistance.

Some men think caring for health isn't 'masculine'. But the truth is that men who

• eat healthy food,
• exercise regularly and
• get prompt treatment for health problems

have a better chance of staying strong and active than men who don't.

Use the menu at the left of this screen to read about Men's Health topics.

David Hughes is the  North Coast Area Health Service, Area Men's Health Representative.

He is located at Bangalow Community Health Centre, 35 Granauille Rd Bangalow 2479.
He can be contacted on ph 02 66870008 or E-mail: david.hughes@ncahs.health.nsw.gov.au

David is a clinical nurse specialist in Men's Health and provides a variety of clinical and community development activities related to men across the lifespan. He has a qualification in "Prostate Care Support Nursing" and supports men, and their families through the diagnosis and treatment phases of prostate disease.

He is available (with approval from local management) to provide staff and client in-services related to Men’s Health with his particular field of interest being "Fatherhood related to Men’s Health". David tries to keep resources to support other professionals, and he is involved in men’s networks locally, and at state level, which enables him to seek out appropriate resources on request.

Please don’t hesitate to contact David Hughes for further information or advice.

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