'Man flu'? He might moan more than we do, but research shows that men rarely talk to their GP about the health issues affecting them and half as many Australian men as women go to the see their GP over the course of a year. This means men may be taking more risks with their health than they should.
International Men's Health Week this June highlighted the issues surrounding men's health.
Professor Garry Egger, also known as our very own Professor Trim, is a member of the Coca-Cola Company's Health and Wellness Advisory Council. Garry, a specialist in men's and preventative health for more than 35 years, has put together some top tips to make sure the men in your family are watching their health.
According to Professor Trim there are six key components for men to reduce their health risks:
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A healthy, balanced diet - low in fat and including plenty of fruit and vegetables |
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Being physically active for a (cumulative) total of around an hour a day, most days of the week |
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Learning how to manage the inevitable stresses that occur in life |
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Not smoking - and if they do, try to quit |
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A moderate (2-3 glasses/day) consumption of alcohol |
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Moderation in all things (including moderation)
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Professor Trim says another part of achieving a healthy lifestyle is getting the appropriate health checks and acting on the information the GP provides. He says it is essential to detect and act on any issues early so as to help to prevent more serious problems from arising.
"Men should think about getting a health check from their GP on an annual basis. Often GP practices provide specific 'Men's Health Checks' which can include a physical examination to check blood pressure, weight, height, cholesterol and blood glucose alongside screening for bowel, prostate and testicular cancers if appropriate."
For more information about men's health, visit
www.professortrim.com |
