Men’s Health Week: keep your body in good working order

This Men's Health Week 2024, Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network (MPHN) is encouraging men to take better care of their health by booking a check-up with their general practitioner.  

MPHN is addressing the leading causes of death among men in the Murrumbidgee region and urging men to take proactive steps to safeguard their health. 

MPHN’s Chief Data Officer Dr Jason Bennie said booking a health check is the first step for men to take control of their health outcomes. 

‘It's not uncommon for men to delay seeing a doctor until they're already feeling unwell, and sometimes not even then,’ Dr Bennie said. 

‘Just like you take your car in for a regular service, you need to do the same for your body. There could be something going on ‘under the hood’ that, if addressed promptly, might help you avoid illness and may add years to your life expectancy.’ 

Coronary heart disease is still the leading cause of death among men in the Murrumbidgee, with rates over 10% higher than the national average. In addition to booking a heart health check with their GP, men can help reduce their risk by avoiding smoking, staying active, limiting foods containing saturated fat, added salt and sugars, limiting alcohol, and maintaining a healthy body weight. 

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among men in the Murrumbidgee, with rates over 10% above the national average. The region also has one of the highest rates of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) among men, 40% above the Australian average. Men can book in with their GP for a lung health check and reduce their risk for these diseases by avoiding smoking, vaping, and electronic cigarettes, limiting exposure to second-hand smoke, and engaging in regular physical activity. 

‘By highlighting these key health concerns and providing practical steps to reduce the risk of disease, we’re aiming to empower men in the Murrumbidgee to take control of their own health,’ Dr Bennie said. 

‘Use Men’s Health Week as a reminder to book in with your GP for a health check and help keep your body in good working order for years to come.’ 

For more information on men's health, visit health.gov.au/topics/mens-health