Health by stealth was the message the Prime Minister’s partner Tim Mathieson was emphasising when he addressed the Armidale Men’s Health Expo in the Armidale Plaza last Thursday during Men’s Health Week. He was also in town to launch WALK, RIDE, WIDDERS where local man, Steve Widders, and Dr Mick Adams from the Australasian Men’s Health Forum will cycle and walk from Brisbane to Sydney in October to raise awareness and funds to support Men’s Health Initiatives.
Mr Mathieson, who was appointed the Men’s Health Ambassador by former Federal Minister for Health and Ageing Nicola Roxon and is the Patron of the Men’s Shed Association, stressed the importance of communicating effective ways in which men, who are usually reluctant to talk about their health issues, can engage with each other and health professionals to look after their physical and mental wellbeing.
“Men don’t talk about their health enough,” said Mr Mathieson.
“Once they start talking about their health, then you can’t stop them, it‘s just getting them to talk.
“The Men’s Sheds are a good place for men to get to, where they can make some things for the community and talk with their mates.
“It is surprising then what they will talk about, from feelings of depression, a relationship breakdown or not feeling too good about themselves.
“These are among the things that bring men down. They haven’t been taught by their fathers to do something about it and go to a GP regularly to discuss their health concerns.
“Women talk more freely about their health over a cup of coffee, face to face. However, men have to do what is referred to as ‘shoulder to shoulder’, doing something in order to start talking about it.”
Armidale Dumaresq Council Aboriginal Liaison Officer Steve Widders, who was instrumental in organising the Armidale Men’s Health Expo, spoke about the role that women play in the lives of men and their health.
“The health of a man is determined in many ways by the relationship that they have with women in their lives,” said Steve Widders, “because it is women who support the men and I always believe that, behind every good man is an even better woman.”
Mr Widders discussed the responsibility and the obligation of men to be healthy.
“A healthy man means a healthy family and healthy families means healthy communities,” said Steve.
Story: Jo Harrison
