Ambulance Victoria (AV) is calling on men to look out for their physical and mental health by scheduling a health check-up this International Men’s Health Week.
According to the Australian Men’s Health Forum, 50 men die each day in Australia from preventable causes.
AV executive director operational communications Anthony Carlyon said Men’s Health Week is about educating men on how to protect and improve their health and wellbeing.
“Too many Australian men are dying too young, and this week is about raising awareness of the full range of physical, mental and emotional conditions men can suffer from,” he said.
“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.”
The number one killer of men in Australia is heart disease and AV director patient safety & experience Andrew Keenan said this week should serve as a reminder for men to regularly get their heart health checked.
“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,” he said.
“Four in five heart-related deaths under the age of 65 are men, so it’s crucial that men have regular Heart Health Checks with their GP.
“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.”
Men’s health is about more than just physical health, and AV director emergency management Justin Dunlop called on men to take their mental and emotional wellbeing just as seriously.
“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 and 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.”
Men’s Health Week is celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2024 and runs from 10-16 June.
For more information, visit www.amhf.org.au.
