International Men’s Health Week commences this Monday, 14th of June.
It is an important opportunity to highlight men’s health and what it means to be healthy.
Through a series of promotions, events and publicity around the country, Men’s Health Week is designed to provoke thought and discussion about what needs to be done to improve male health.
Viking Industrial are getting behind the cause by creating some time to hang out and encouraging discussions around men’s health in our workplace.
We’re also providing resources and links to organisations set up for those that may need assistance.
This year’s Men’s Health Week focuses on what it means to have a team.
What is a team?
A team is a group of people, all working together towards a common goal. They have your back, they can build you up, they’ll be there for the good times and the tough times, and fill a gap when you need support. You are the number one player in your team, but you can also be a part of other people’s teams.
Why do you need a team?
You need teammates to support your physical, mental, and social health. Depending on what is happening in your life you’ll need certain people, services, and information on your team at different times.
Who’s on your team?
It’s important to include health and medical professionals on your team — they can support you to maintain your health and wellbeing by stopping small problems before they get bigger. If something goes wrong with your health, already having health and medical professionals on your team can help make managing these challenging times a bit easier. We suggest you have a doctor, or GP, on your team at all times.
Good health is about being the best you can be in your situation.
Prioritise your physical, emotional, and social health by staying connected and seeking support early if something is wrong from a team of people who care about you and your wellbeing.
Men’s Health Facts
1 in 5 of us will experience symptoms of mental illness in any given year. In Australia that’s around 5 million people. And roughly 60% of these people won’t seek help.
A boy born in Australia in 2010 has a life expectancy of 78.0 years, while a baby girl born at the same time could expect to live to 82.3 years old. Right from the start, boys suffer more illness, more accidents, and die earlier than their female counterparts.
Men take their own lives at four times the rate of women (that’s five men a day, on average). Accidents, cancer, and heart disease all account for the majority of male deaths.
There are specific populations of marginalised men for whom the health status is far worse than this.
The health stautus is even worse for marginalised groups including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men, refugees, men in prison or newly released from prison, and men of low socioeconomic standing.
Find Out More
There is no one size fits all for health and mental health which is why we need to take a diverse approach.
Here are a few organisations we recommend checking out for more information and support around men’s health.
Black Dog Institute is the only medical research institute in Australia to investigate mental health across the lifespan, with the aim to create a mentally healthier world for everyone.
TIACS Foundation’s goal is to change the mental health services landscape, making it accessible and affordable, and in doing so reduce the number of suicides in Australia. They offer a free text, chat and call back service connecting individuals seeking counselling services with qualified professionals.
YUMM! is spreading awareness ahead of this year’s Men’s Health Week by donating 10% of their chocolate sales directly to TIACS Foundation. They also have some great video links to help with mental health.
Trade Mutt are an Australian Workwear brand that aims to make tradies and workers of all kinds look and feel great at work, and in doing so, reduce the rate of male suicide in Australia.
Healthy Male is a national organisation which provides evidence-based, easy to understand information information on men’s health. Healthy Male is supported by the Australian Government Department of Health.