The spotlight on the extraordinary menfolk...

The spotlight last week was on some extraordinary hairy beings often found leaning over a BBQ, sometimes with a tinned beverage in hand grunting and roaring with laughter over conquests, footy scores and how the country is run. This bushy variety is known for speaking fewer words than their female counterparts, display less facial expressions, can’t see as many shades of colour and may lack empathy when their loved ones nearby  are suffering a head cold. Known as higher risk-takers, this breed are therefore more likely to have more accidents. They die younger from lifestyle-related health conditions and less likely to go for a health check-up despite nagging ailments that persist.
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So why the focus on the menfolk and their weird and wonderful ways? Last week was Men’s Health Week - designed to heighten awareness for preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of disease among men and boys. 

So firstly, you blokes are an exceptional bunch with many characteristics us ladies will never be able to match. I’ve described fellas most stereotypically, however some women are even furrier than their man! This is a great opportunity to celebrate our mosaic brains and the incredible, uniqueness of the masculine and feminine tendencies found in all blokes – some weighted in more areas than others.
The world needs you and your health is a critical matter. There are health issues which only affect men. The world could be more sensitive toward your needs and how we promote healthcare in a way that makes it a more engaging place for which you can be cared for.

Whilst the government and the medical profession could consider how to provide more men-friendly practices tailored to blokes, here’s what blokes could do better:

• Be smart about getting medical help and don’t expect persisting symptoms to sort themselves out.
• Develop a help-seeking mentality. Talk!
• Persistently get the lifestyle you deserve that features a healthy balance of work, family and alone time.
• Rely on your partner, friend and family  for support. You’re not designed to do life alone so share your inner world.

You might portray as fearless but don’t let it  be your killer. In honour of Men’s Health Week – reach out when the chips are down and go get that check-up!

Joanne Wilson is a neuropsychotherapist, relationship specialist, workshop facilitator and guest speaker. Tune into radio Salt106.5 each Friday morning for her co-host of the Morning Wakeup. Don’t miss more on these Sunshine Coast Daily articles in her “Is This Love” Podcast and download your FREE relationship resources at www.relationshiprejuvenator.com

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