WFI sponsors Men’s Health Week 2008

 

The spotlight will be on Australia’s rural men for one week this June.

With a strong regional approach, Men's Health Week 2008 (held between 7 - 15 June) provides an opportunity to increase awareness of the importance of men’s health issues and to encourage men and the community to focus on their health and wellbeing.

The week celebrates the contribution men make to family, work and the community, but reminds us that men don’t need to ‘tough it out’ or ‘go it alone’, and they shouldn’t. It also encourages men to continue doing the things they are already doing right, as well as give ideas on how to do things better.

Men’s Health Week will get a special kick-off this year with three Australian Football leagues launching the campaign. The teams will play a ‘Legends of League’ event on 7 June - an event which typifies the week’s main message of mateship and strong family ties being important for a man’s happy health life.

Men’s Health Week also enjoys the participation of four passionate advocates for men’s health and rural issues, including: Lee Kernaghan (Australian country music singer and songwriter); Angry Anderson (Australian rock singer, TV presenter); Charles Woolley (journalist and political commentator); and Dr Rob Walters (former Australian General Practice Network Chair and health commentator).

WFI is proud to be a sponsor of Men’s Health Week this year. WFI has been looking after the people on the land since 1919 and is pleased to continue this support through the promotion of Men’s Health Week to staff, clients and the general public.

This year Men’s Health Week focuses on the importance of seeing your GP, raising awareness of prostate health and cancer awareness, testosterone deficiency and mental health such as depression, a prevalent illness that unfortunately touches many farmers in Australia.

Sadly while all men are at risk of depression, this illness has a more devastating impact on country men. According to a 2007 Kondinin Group report*, one farmer dies from depression every four days. The rate of depression leading to suicide is 20 percent greater for sufferers in the country. 

Men’s Health Week aims to lower these alarming statistics though encouragement, assistance and the promotion of health and wellbeing of men.

For more information on Men’s Health Week 2008 visit www.menshealthweek.com.au

* Source: “Hope heals heavy hearts”, Farming Ahead, January 2007.


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