Did you know Australian men are more likely to get sick from serious health problems than Australian women?
But compared to women, men visit the doctor less frequently, have shorter visits, and only attend when their illness is in its later stages.
Every year, Australians celebrate Men’s Health Week in an attempt to shed light on these important issues and encourage men to put their health first.
To mark the 2016 campaign, the Central Highlands Regional Council is teaming up with local sport and recreation organisations, health services and businesses to bring a Men’s Health Week road show to the region.
The free road show will include panel sessions with community members and health professionals, health checks, information stalls, local touch games, giveaways and food.
Queensland Reds rugby union hooker Andrew Ready, who has recently been called up to the Australian Wallabies, has also come on board as a special guest speaker.
Andrew said he was looking forward to visiting the Central Highlands for the first time.
‘I have family in Emerald and I’ve always heard good things about the region,’ he said.
‘I’m very excited to come out to the Central Highlands and experience it, especially because it’s rugby country.’
As a professional athlete, the 22-year-old said he understands the importance of taking care of yourself, not just physically, but mentally as well.
‘Obviously with the downturn in the mining sector there are a lot of men who provide for their families and it’s a real tough time for them – for their partners, themselves and their kids,’ he said.
‘Hopefully I can come out there and inspire some of the men and kids. A lot of people think being a rugby player is all good and well, but on the inside it’s an emotional roller coaster. The highs are highs and the lows can be really low. So I can relate in that perspective.’
Andrew said men were good at hiding their emotions and their pain, but he wants guys to know it’s okay to ask for help.
‘We’re taught to be tough blokes and we don’t want to be seen as weak but sometimes you have to put yourself first. There are always people out there to help whether you know it or not.’
Andrew encouraged the blokes of the Central Highlands to get involved this Men’s Health Week and come along to the road show.
The road show will visit Springsure on 14 June, Tieri on 15 June, Blackwater on 16 June and Emerald on 17 June.
Head to our Facebook event for more information.