Men need better self-care
June 17, 2011
AUSTRALIAN men need to start
taking better care of themselves,
according to the latest findings
from the Australian Institute of
Health and Welfare.
The Health of Australia’s Males
report looked at attitudes to health
issues, rates of injury, illness and
mortality and use of health services
among Australian men.
Overall, Australian men were
found to have good life expectancy
rates by international standards,
with the Aussie average being 79
years, compared to the OECD
average of 76.3 years.
According to AIHW Director David
Kalisch this can in part be
attributed to the positive lifestyle
choices including sport and physical
activity, and a continued decline in
rates of smoking.
Other good news highlighted by
the report is an improvement in the
survival rates for testicular and
prostate cancer - attributed to
better screening, early detection
and improved treatments.
On the flip side, the report found
Australian men still have a way to
go to improve their health, with
only 5% of males consuming the
recommended daily intake of fruit
and vegetables.
About two-thirds of all adult
males were found to be obese,
along with one quarter of all boys
aged between five and 17.
Half of all adult males were also
found to have a mental health
condition, whilst one-third have a
chronic health condition.
Worryingly only 40% of Australian
men were found to discuss healthy
lifestyle issues with health
professionals, despite having higher
rates of emergency department
visits than women.
‘Despite the gains that have been
achieved, many Australian men are
still at risk, with 4% rating their
health as poor,” said Kalisch.
MEANWHILE responding to the
report, the Department of Health
has announced funding for DIY
Male Health Toolboxes, to be sent
to Men’s Sheds around the country
and which contain a combination
of health promotion materials.
The Toolboxes will be available
from Sep; see www.health.gov.au.
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