Men's Health Week 2009

15th-21 June 2009

Men’s Health Week 09 is raising awareness of the fact that 5 men die every hour of a potentially preventable illness.

Men’s Health Week 09 is providing an opportunity to increase awareness of important male-specific health issues. It celebrates the contribution men make to their family, work and the community, whilst urging men to get out of their comfort zone and start thinking about their health even when they’re healthy, and to become mates with their GP.

The week is recognised by the Department of Health and Ageing and reflects the themes of their forthcoming national Men’s Health policy. The week is focused on preventative health and healthy behaviours that men can adopt in relation to physical, mental health and sexual health and function.

Men’s Health Week 09 is being fronted by 14 well-known former sporting legends, health advocates and other prominent Australians, some of whom include:

  • Lee Kernighan, award winning Australian country music singer and songwriter, and 2008 Australian of the Year.
  • Michael Kasprowicz, former Australian and Queensland Test cricketer and current Fox Sports commentator.
  • Steven Renouf, former NRL player for the Brisbane Broncos. He lives with Type 1 Diabetes and works with the Queensland’s Department of Sport and Recreation.
  • Dr Rob Walters, a Department of Health and Ageing Men’s Health Ambassador and member of the Australian Divisions of General Practice.
  • The Governor of Victoria, Professor David de Krester, A.C., a Department of Health and Ageing Men’s Health Ambassador and Doctor of Medicine.
  • Bruce Ritchie, editor of the Australian’s Men’s Health Magazine.

Men’s Health Week 09 is supported by the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners and their new preventative health initiative, The M5 Project. The week urges men to carry out 5 ways to a healthier life:

1. Share your family history with your GP
2. Know your healthy weight
3. Check your blood pressure
4. Stop smoking- it’s the only healthy option
5. Maintain a healthy mind and a healthy body.

Men’s Health Week 09 will hold a number of events throughout the week. These awareness raising events will be held all over the country at major sporting events and Australian Defence Force bases.

Isuzu, the Transport Workers Union and the Metropolitan Fire Brigade in conjunction with Men’s Health Week 09, will be holding awareness events and giving free health checks for their employees and members in Melbourne and Sydney.

For more details visit www.menshealthweek.com.au

Free beyondblue information materials available

Men’s Health Week provides an opportunity to increase awareness of men’s health issues. It celebrates the contribution men make to family, work and the community, but reminds us that men don’t need to 'tough it out' or 'go it alone' – especially if they have depression or an anxiety disorder.

One in eight men will experience depression in their lifetime. With the right help, most recover.

Men’s Health Week is a good time to check on your mental health as well as your physical health.

Beyondblue information resources available for Men's Health Week 2009 (PDF 1.8MB)