Men’s Health Week: Ideas for supporting healthier outcomes

In recognition of this year’s Men’s Health Week theme Keeping Boys and Men Healthy, here are some ideas to support men and boys with achieving good health and wellbeing:

• Try to get a balanced diet: Males account for the majority of disease linked to diets low in fruit (65%), vegetables (62%), nuts and seeds (79%) and whole grains (74%), as well as 75% of the burden linked to diets high in processed meat.
• It’s OK to seek medical help if you don’t feel well, have a problem that won’t go away or notice unusual symptoms.
• Don’t try to do everything on your own. Talk to your partner, friends or workmates.
• Encourage exercise and social activities, like social support groups.
• Find creative ideas for getting active at work (websites like powerplayatwork.com have some great ideas and competitive challenges for encouraging healthy workplaces for men).
• Use available hotlines or speak with professionals to get the help you need for yourself or the men and boys in your life. Be persistent if you need to.

If you or anyone you know needs help:

• Lifeline on 13 11 14
• Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800
• MensLine Australia on 1300 789 978
• Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467
• Beyond Blue on 1300 22 46 36
• Headspace on 1800 650 890
• QLife on 1800 184 527
• ReachOut at au.reachout.com

SOURCES:

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 2016. Australian Burden of Disease Study: 
Impact and causes of illness and death in Australia 2011

Men’s Health Week: www.menshealthweek.org.au