The Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) says all too often, men in rural areas do not engage with preventative health.

It said Men’s Health Week from June 12 to 18 is an opportunity for rural men to reach out to doctors and also to reflect on their daily habits and consider ways to improve their overall health.

Men’s Health Week raises awareness of men’s health, and promotes activities and events to engage men and boys in health-related activities.

ACRRM said men in rural industries are at higher risk of accidental injury, and higher rates of mortality from preventable cancers.

The Men’s Health Website reports that “men take their lives at four times the rate of women”.

ACRRM member and rural GP Dr Graham Fleming acknowledges that generations of rural men have learnt to work hard, be resourceful, take risks and generally be unemotional due to economic survival.

“Rural men shun any sense of emotional involvement or weakness. It is easy for them to say ‘she’ll be right doc/mate, I can manage it myself’. Actually going to see a doctor may be perceived as a sign of weakness,” Dr Fleming said.

“Rural men often fail to take preventative health measures and they have high rates of alcohol dependence, and the situation is compounded by difficulties in health care due to rural medical workforce shortages,” he said.

Men’s Health Week is an opportunity for men to reach out to rural health practitioners and discuss any physical or mental health issues that may be of concern. It is also a time for men to reflect on their daily habits and consider ways to improve their overall health.

Dr Fleming said, “There are many challenges to living rurally.  In a wealthy nation like Australia our health should be good. It is important for us all to prevent the development of disease. We need a healthy lifestyle and to respond early to signs that things are not right.”

He suggests communities engage men in the conversation and cover a range of subjects such as:

1.     How to avoid cancer e.g. screening and regular check-ups explaining how most common cancers can be prevented or cured with early detection.

2.     How to side-step strokes and heart attacks before it is too late.

3.     Common farm injuries and their prevention.

4.     Understanding the six reasons for poor mental health and the difference between mental illness and poor mental health.

5.     Successful suicide prevention strategies for the community.

The organisers at Men’s Health Week encourage all rural communities to reach out to men and boys with events and activities that align with the theme ‘Healthy body – healthy mind: Keeping the balance’ and address the health issues that most affect males in your local area.