Stoic Auckland males urged to ring Healthline when unwell

Stoic Auckland males urged to ring Healthline when unwell

11 June 2012

Kiwi males are being urged to call Healthline if they feel unwell – rather than carrying on stoically. June 11 to 17 is Men’s Health Week.

“Internationally, as well as in New Zealand, men tend to ‘tough it out’ when they’re feeling off colour,” says medical director Dr Ian St George.

“They often don't want to make a fuss, and research suggests some men see seeking help as a sign of weakness.

“They may not be sure about how to make an appointment, may not be comfortable talking to female receptionists, may see GPs’ clinics as a ‘feminine’ environment, and may find the opening hours are not compatible with the hours they work.”

He says those attitudes need to change as New Zealand men are dying younger than women, and men from some ethnic groups, poorer areas and with less education are reporting worse health than other men.

Dr St George says ringing Healthline is one way to get around some of the barriers that can see men choosing not to seek help when they’re sick.

“One of the big advantages of using Healthline is that you don't have to take time off work, make an appointment, or pull out your wallet.”

An analysis of Auckland region calls to Healthline between January and March this year shows 195 callers required an ambulance, 1069 were advised to go to the nearest emergency department urgently, 2681 to see a health professional within 24 hours, and 3322 given advice and information and advice to help treat their condition at home.

Thirty-seven percent of calls were from or about males.

“People ringing Healthline are put through to a registered nurse who asks questions and suggests a course of action,” says Dr St George.

“Whatever the advice, you'll know where you stand. The nurse will be able to put your mind at rest or confirm that you should go and get yourself checked out – and that’s a lot better than sitting at home worrying.”

The number for the free 24/7 service is 0800 611 116 and people can call anonymously if they wish. Dr St George says research shows men who do phone Healthline find the service very helpful.

“It’s a great service and we'd like more men to use it.”

Healthline is the national telephone health advice service funded by the Ministry of Health and provided by Medibank Health Solutions NZ Ltd.

ENDS

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