Check in for longer life

ACROSS Australia 50 men die of preventable causes each day, while on average men who live in remote areas die 14 years younger than their metropolitan counterparts.

These staggering figures come from the Australian Men’s Health Forum (AMHF) and highlight the importance of helping Australian men to be aware of their health before it’s too late.

This week is International Men’s Health Week, and Ambulance Victoria (AV) is urging men across the state to schedule potentially life-saving health check-ups.

Now in its 30th year, International Men’s Health Week promotes and supports the wellbeing of men and boys around the globe.

AV executive director operational communications Anthony Carlyon said the week was the perfect time to remind men to prioritise their wellbeing and that of their mates.

“Too many Australian men are dying too young,” Mr Carlyon said.

“This week is about raising awareness of the full range of physical, mental and emotional conditions men can suffer from.

“This Men’s Health Week we call on all men to book in for a health check, to make a plan for action to improve their health and wellbeing, and to tell their mates to do the same.”

AMHF has launched a new Know Your Man Facts campaign that will assist communities and workplaces across the country to learn more about the importance of regular check-ups.

There are a range of health checks men can undertake to reduce their risk of an early death, including checks for cancer, heart health, sensory health, and drinking and smoking habits.

There are three steps to becoming a men’s health champion: get checked, take action and tell your mates.

The campaign includes a list of health checks “to get before you die”, which includes regular measurements of vital numbers including blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol levels and body mass index.

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare’s recent report What do Australians die from cited coronary heart disease as the leading underlying cause of death in males.

More than 11,300 Australian men died from the disease in 2022 – more than 5000 more than the second-leading cause of male deaths, dementia.

AV director patient safety and experience Andrew Keenan said it was “crucial that men have regular heart health checks with their GP”.

“Four in five heart-related deaths under the age of 65 are men,” Mr Keenan said.

“Many heart attacks and strokes can be prevented through healthy behaviours like eating a heart-healthy diet, being active, maintaining a healthy weight and being smoke-free.

“Heart health checks only take 20 minutes and assess your risk of suffering a heart attack or stroke in the next five years so you have the chance to make lifestyle changes.

“We lose too many men from ignoring their symptoms, so this Men’s Health Week make your health a priority and get a check-up.”

The leading cause of death of males aged between 15 and 44 is suicide, shining a light on the importance of regular mental health check-ups as well.

AV director emergency management Justin Dunlop said it was important men took their mental health as seriously as their physical health.

“For men under the age of 55, suicide is the leading cause of death, and one in two men will experience some sort of mental health disorder in their lifetime,” Mr Dunlop said.

“Mental health concerns are very common.

“It’s vital that men reach out for help as well as ask their mates, coworkers and family members if they’re okay

“Here at AV there are a number of wellbeing and support services on offer for our people and their families, including peer support, 24/7 counselling, pastoral care and more.

“I urge anyone to seek out mental health support or to make an appointment with a GP, no matter how big or small your mental health concerns are.”

For more information about International Men’s Health Week, visit www.amhf.org.au/know_your_man_facts