Be prudent and consult

By Graeme Izzard, Operations Manager – Yarra Valley Community Health Service
DURING Men’s Health Week, it’s interesting to reflect on how well men look after themselves.
At Yarra Valley Community Health Service, only about 30 per cent of clients are men.
Assuming the population is divided roughly 50/50 between men and women, why is it that the client base is so imbalanced? It’s certainly not that men are generally more healthy than women, as average mortality rates show.
As a male, it seems to me that there are a couple of issues at play here. The first is a hangover from days gone by that going to seek help is somehow a sign of weakness. When men get together they don’t talk about “private” issues, such as, “I went and saw the doctor today.” Maintaining a tough exterior is still part of the psyche.
The other issue, perhaps surprisingly, is fear of the unknown. For all the outward show, I think men are frightened to hear bad news and all that it can entail. Men generally would prefer to stay blissfully unaware rather than face the music – unfortunately that can mean leaving a problem too long.
Part of the reason for the existence of a community health service is health promotion – education to prevent illness before it happens. We encourage all the community, but particularly in this week all men, to make themselves have regular check-ups no matter how awkward it feels – and seek help if they are experiencing any problems.
At Yarra Valley Community Health in Healesville and Yarra Junction we have many services that are relevant to both men and women, and some specifically aimed at men. The following are just some of the range.
• For our older community, we have groups in; strength training, falls and balance and water exercise.
• We have dieticians and diabetes education – in relation to this we have a fortnightly Community Kitchen group run specifically for single men with diabetes. This provides them with knowledge in nutrition and cooking for their condition.
• A QUIT smoking service run by one of our District Nurses,
• Physiotherapy,
• Counselling Services – an anxiety and depression group is due to start in July,
• A fortnightly Men’s Out and About Group. This group get together for a variety of activities to help create friendships and interests beyond the home environment, and
• A bulk-billing GP clinic. Clearly prostate issues are increasing for men and if you have any concerns, visit the doctor straight away.
Hopefully this article will encourage men to take more interest in their health – it’s not only for you, it’s for your family and loved ones.
If you would like to follow up on any of the above services, or you have any other issues, you can get help by ringing our service co-ordination team on 1300 130 381.