Country men need help with health

An innovative program aimed at extending the life expectancy of men in rural Victoria challenges the notion that ‘real men’ don’t need regular health check-ups.

Launching the Working for Men project at a Ballarat hardware store, Health Minister John Thwaites said the program would help change the macho culture that deterred many men from seeing a doctor until their illness was well advanced.

‘There is clear evidence that men, particularly those living in rural areas, are often less likely to seek medical help until their condition is very serious,’ Mr Thwaites said.

‘By being stoical, men are putting their health at risk and taking years off their life.’

The State Government’s groundbreaking Burden of Disease report, released earlier this year, found the health of rural Victorians was below the State average.

‘Cardiovascular disease, cancer and mental disorders are the leading causes of disease and disability in the Grampians Region for both males and females so it is important that the Government takes action to help redress the problem,’ Mr Thwaites said.

The Working for Men project, run by General Practitioners in Ballarat and Daylesford, has been funded by the Government for $60,000 to help reach men who traditionally avoid medical help.

‘Although men are more likely to die from common illnesses, commit suicide and are overwhelmingly the majority of those injured or killed at work, men use hospitals, general practitioners, health and counselling services at a lower rate than women,’ Mr Thwaites said.

The 12-month project is part of the Government’s $1.8 million commitment over four years to support rural men’s and women's health initiatives and could be used as a model for other regions.

The innovative Working for Men project involves:

• Training doctors and reception staff to promote ‘man-friendly’ GP surgeries;

• Workplace health checks by GPs for blue-collar workers in Ballarat and Daylesford;

• A forum for prospective and new parents that recognises the changing roles for many men;

• A men’s health website for the Ballarat district to support doctors and give greater access to health information and services;

• At least two men’s health nights, open to men and women, to provide a focal point for men’s health issues and provide information about community services available.

Mr Thwaites said the program, which was launched at the Home Hardware store in Wendouree, would include consumer feedback and involvement in design of various strategies.

‘The project involves a vital partnership between the Ballarat Division of General Practice and other health and welfare agencies and professionals, employers, unions and businesses.

‘Programs to improve the health of rural communities will only work if they are owned and run by the local community and coordinated with other services,’ Mr Thwaites said.