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The mechanics of men's health: Public health expert calls for change

Date: 11/06/2007

When it comes to improving men's health, medical professionals should follow the lead of those in charge of registering cars, says a public health expert at the University of Western Sydney.

Professor John Macdonald, Co-director of the UWS Men's Health Information and Resource Centre (MHIRC) says the reluctance of blokes to regularly visit the doctor could be overcome with yearly reminders and tailoring the health system to accommodate men's needs.

"Healthcare providers and governments need to focus their attention on ways to draw men into regular medical check-ups. It's time to move beyond blaming men for not taking care of themselves," says Professor Macdonald.

"Just as we receive a notice each year to have the car inspected before it is registered, the health service and local GPs could establish a system to notify men over 50 when it's time for a check-up.

"The key is to make the annual check-up a normal part of men's lives - much like taking the car to the mechanic for an annual service is accepted as essential for the safe and optimal performance of the car."

The call comes as International Men's Health Week is being celebrated from 11 to 17 June. The seven day event is an opportunity to acknowledge the different health and social challenges facing men and boys.

Professor Macdonald says the improvements in women's health through the promotion and easy access to early detection programs for breast and cervical cancer could be replicated in men's health.

He says providing men free and convenient access to health checks for prostate cancer, for example, is just one simple change which will save lives and even save stretched health services money through early interventions where necessary.

"Regular visits to the doctor's help to break down barriers and provide the opportunity for other health issues to be raised and discussed," says Professor Macdonald.

"Most men know talking to their mechanic about their car identifies potential problems early - saving money and enhancing the car's performance.

"Improving the communication between men and their GPs will increase the chances of early detection of disease and help address the appalling imbalance in men's health statistics," he says.

The Australian male life expectancy is 78 years compared to 83 years for women. Men also have a much poorer prognosis when they are diagnosed with cancer, heart disease, diabetes, respiratory problems or have a stroke.

"International Men's Health Week is just once a year, but the discussion on creative ways to encourage more men to take charge of their health should be on-going," says Professor Macdonald.

The Men's Health Information and Resource Centre designs, develops and supports research and projects which contribute to the enhancement of the health and well-being of men and boys across every aspect of their lives from personal to family, work and the community.

For more information about International Men's Health Week, and to find out what is being planned in your local area please visit the website http://www.menshealthweekaustralia.org/

Ends

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