#MenStartTalking – It’s As Simple As Starting A Conversation

#MenStartTalking – It’s As Simple As Starting A Conversation

01 June 2016 – 3,000* New Zealand men continue to die each year from conditions that could have been prevented. Women live four^ years longer than men, 65%** of men are overweight or obese, the suicide rate for men is three* times that of women.

Men’s Health Month in June this year, is an international awareness month that aims to raise the awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment. The theme for June 2016 is #MenStartTalking.

With 13.2% of men deeming to have noone to talk to about intimate matters compared to 9.3% of females, the Men’s Health Trust charity are taking this opportunity to enourage New Zealand men to have more conversations about health – with their doctor, health professionals or simply with their mates.

Chairman of Men’s Health Trust, Phil Clemas says the best thing that New Zealand men can do for their health is to simply start a conversation.

“Men are often reluctant to talk about their health – health issues can be seen as a weakness, an embarrassment or something that can safely be ignored. Too many men suffer and die needlessley because of lack of knowledge or lack of communication with friends, family and professionals who could help them live longer healthier lives. We believe if men start talking to a doctor, health professional or even a friend about health, it will make all the difference”

Clemas is concerned that even by highlighting such dire facts and statistics, men’s behaviour doesn’t change.

“Our health cannot be ignored - men can do more and its time to change this. We are notorious for not discussing problems that are going on with our health, mainly out of fear. We don’t like to talk about our symptoms or feelings, particularly with other men, and especially when the going gest tough. The statistics regarding the health of men are getting worse. It really is time for men to start talking about our health.”

Men’s Health Trust Ambassador Lee-Anne Wann is inspired to help men get healthier.

" Keeping our kiwi men healthy, happy and strong is a huge passion of mine. Growing up with two brothers and a father who followed the ‘she’ll be right’ attitude, I learnt early on this might not be the best approach. I believe a strong man is someone who can ask for help, can see when something is not right and is not afraid to go to the doctor. The theme of this years men’s health week #MenStartTalking may seem so simple to us females who happily discuss anything and everything, but for men who find it difficult to talk it is just so important. By encouraging men to recognise the signs and ask for help, it will save lives - it really is that simple.”

As well as physical health, the Men’s Health Trust through encouraging conversations about health, are looking to improve men’s mental health.

“Men’s Health Trust is focused on initiatives that will help inspire guys to open up and talk more frequently with their mates and loved ones about their health. Women talk a lot about their health and we need to encourage the same for the males in our life. So to all men out there – with Men’s Health Month approaching be proactive about your health, start a conversation with your mate, or make time to catch up with someone you havn’t spoken to for a while. It’s as simple as just asking them how they are doing,” says Clemas

Men’s Health Month launches June 1st with their annual Inspiring stories breakfast at Auckland Museum which co-incides with a relaunch of the Men’s Health Trust website www.menshealthnz.org.nz.

For more information about Men’s Health Month, including a calendar of events and how you can be involved, go to www.menshealthmonth.co.nz

ENDS

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