During 2019, Men’s Health Week in Australia is from the 10th to the 16th of June, this year’s theme is ‘Keeping Boys & Men Healthy’. The aim of Men’s Health Week is to bring awareness to the lifestyle choices that men and boys make that affects their physical and mental health. Research has shown that men need to pay more attention to both their mental & physical health. According to the Australian Bureau of statistics, a girl born in 2014–16 could expect to live roughly 85 years, whilst a boy could expect to live 80 years, 5 years shorter than their female counterparts.
Boys Suffer From More Illness
Overall boys suffer from more illness, are more accident prone and don’t live as long as women do. Deaths by suicide in Australia occur amongst males at a rate three times higher than females. Men with Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander heritage, refugees or those from a lower socio-economic standing experience more health problems.
Alcohol Induced Death Is Greater Amongst Males
Over the last two decades on average, the rate of alcohol-induced deaths for males has been 3.5 times higher than that of females. Whilst the number and rate of deaths are consistently higher in males (1,040 deaths in 2017).
The National Drug Strategy Household Survey 2016 (AIHW) found that males were more likely to consume alcohol daily or weekly in comparison to females. It also found that males over the age of 18, were at more risk of lifetime alcohol-related harm, or an injury after one occasion of drinking. Men have a higher chance of dying from diabetes, liver and heart disease than women do.
Men Experience More Injuries At Work
Whilst men make up 56 per cent of the workforce, per 100,000 workers, 14 injuries occur to females, whilst 176 to males. Most injuries happen to labourers, tradies and males driving vehicles or using heavy machinery.
The Goal Of Men’s Health Week
The aim of men’s health week is to make men aware of these issues, educating them and letting them know how they can improve their health. Only 30% of a man’s overall health is determined by his genetics.
It’s Important To Exercise
Exercise is a great way to counteract these problems, getting started can be one of the biggest challenges. Working out what is getting in the way of exercise plans is the best way to start. This may include factors such as work or family commitments. Our Physios are able to point people in the right direction and help them begin their fitness routine. They can tailor a Physio Group Exercise program to suit the individual.
Men’s health is just as important as Women’s Health, however it’s often overlooked. Working out why men aren’t looking after their health as well as they should be is important. Men need to ‘Keep Themselves Healthy’ considering both their physical and mental health. Our Physios are able to help in all areas of Men’s Health, if you require some assistance with this, you can find a location near you by pressing this link.