The Rudd Government wants Canberran men to start talking – to help it develop Australia’s first ever National Men’s Health Policy.
Gender is a key determinant of health in Australia, and the best way to improve health outcomes is to have policies that recognise the unique needs of men.
Life expectancy for Australian men, for example, is 4.8 years less than that of women – 78.7 years for men, compared with 83.5 years for women.
In addition, men also experience 70 per cent of disease related to injury, and bear the brunt of suicide (78 per cent) and road accidents (73 per cent).
Men under 75 years are almost three times more likely to die from coronary heart disease, stroke and vascular disease than women, and men are also over represented in deaths related to HIV/AIDS, lung cancer, emphysema and liver disease. Australian men have the second highest rate of bowel cancer in the world.
“It is important to recognise that there are specific health problems that disproportionately affect men”, Senator Lundy said.
“Despite the statistics, many men are still reluctant to seek medical help or even talk to someone about their health,” Senator Lundy added.
“I urge men in the Canberra region to contribute to the formal consultations on the development of the National Men’s Health Policy which will begin in early 2009”, Senator Lundy concluded.
More information, as well as a resource kit, can be accessed by contacting Senator Lundy’s Office or going to www.health.gov.au/menshealthpolicy (http://www.health.gov.au/menshealthpolicy).
Contact: Rachel Allen 6277 3334 or 0418 488 295
