SOUTH Australian men are being urged not to drop the ball on their health and to encourage their mates to go for a health check.
SA Health’s chief public health officer Professor Paddy Phillips said men were typically accused of not visiting their doctor as soon as they should and in general could take better care of their health.
“Men have a tendency to self-monitor, use excuses not to go to the GP and assume everything will be right,” Prof Phillips said.
“The reality is that each hour, four men die from conditions that are potentially preventable and on average men live five years less than women.
“That’s why it’s so important men keep on top of their health, not just for themselves but also for their families.”
In an effort to encourage men to take better care of themselves, Port Adelaide Football Club star Robbie Gray has partnered with SA Health as a Men’s Health Ambassador.
The 29-year-old, who was diagnosed with testicular cancer in September last year, said he went to the team doctor after “feeling off” for a few days.
“It was a shock being diagnosed because in my case I did not feel a lump or anything, I just knew something was not quite right,” he said.
“I’m lucky having team doctors on hand, but for other blokes finding help is not easy.
“From one bloke to another, if something does not feel quite right, go talk to your GP early, because it might just
save your life.”
Gray will star in a series of videos which use football to deliver a serious message about getting regular health checks and being aware of signs and symptoms that something could be wrong.
Testicular cancer is among the most common cancers in men under 50 and most men are diagnosed between the ages of 25 and 34.
While testicular cancer can spread quickly, it can be treated and cured and the survival rate in the past five years is close to 98pc.
Other simple ways that men can improve their health is by eating plenty of fruit and vegetables, exercising regularly, not smoking and only drinking in moderation.
