This International Men’s Health Week (9-15 June), the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) is backing the national ‘See Your GP’ campaign launched by Healthy Male and the Centre for Male Health. The campaign urges men to prioritise their wellbeing and book a health check.
ACRRM President Dr Rod Martin says the campaign’s message, ‘Before you take everyone else’s advice, talk to your doctor’, is especially vital for men in rural, remote, and First Nations communities.
‘Too often, rural men put off seeing a doctor, whether it’s due to distance, busy workloads, or the old attitude of “she’ll be right”, but the truth is, early checks and conversations with your doctor can save your life — and your Rural Generalist (RG) doctor is there to help you, not judge you,’ said Dr Martin.
Preventable deaths
‘Recent data shows men living in very remote areas die up to 13 years earlier than those in cities, and rates of potentially avoidable deaths are two and a half times higher. Many of these deaths are entirely preventable.
‘When you live outside the urban footprint, you can’t afford to delay your healthcare,’ emphasises Dr Martin.
‘Having a regular check-in with your RG is one of the most important things you can do for yourself and your family. RG’s live and work in rural and remote communities, and they have knowledge and understanding of the unique mental and physical health risks men face.’
ACRRM continues to advocate for a strong RG workforce, better access to services, and training that ensures RGs have the unique and advanced skills needed to serve rural and remote communities who are most in need of specialised healthcare.
Find out more about Men’s Health Week here. There are numerous events happening online and all over the country.
Don’t forget continence health
Also this Men’s Health Week, Continence Health Australia is urging men to talk about pelvic health starting with two simple and overlooked conversations, how to poo properly and how to talk about sexual function with your GP.
During the recent Continence Health Australia National Conference on Incontinence, guest speaker Dr Sama Balasubramanian, Sexual Health Physician at Sydney Men’s Health talked about sexual health as a fundamental part of men’s wellbeing but still one of the least talked about topics.
His presentation encouraged men to take control of their sexual health particularly with regards to those living with incontinence or those who have suffered health issues, especially with prostate cancer and the resulting treatment.
Physiotherapist Allison Bryant also talked at the National Conference on Incontinence about the correct way to poo. This often under-discussed subject can make a surprising difference. As we age, the pelvic floor muscles which help control the bladder and bowel naturally weaken.
Straining while pooing, or sitting in the wrong position, can put extra pressure on these muscles and worsen leakage or urgency.
By simply adjusting your posture, feet on a small stool, knees above hips, leaning forward with a straight back you can help your bowel empty more easily and reduce the strain on your pelvic floor.
