Your Guide to International Men’s Health Week 2024

As International Men’s Health Week commences, it’s crucial to talk about the importance of men’s health in Australia. This event marks its 30th year in 2024 and runs from Monday, June 10, to Sunday, June 16. It focuses on boosting the health and wellbeing of men and boys in Australian communities.

Men’s Health Week 2024 is a key time to look at preventable health issues and push for early detection and treatment. It’s a chance to talk about the special problems men face, like their mental health, suicide risks, and how the ‘tough guy’ syndrome stops them from getting help when they should.

History and Significance of International Men’s Health Week

The idea started at the 2nd World Congress on Men’s Health in 1994. People wanted to make sure everyone knew how to stay healthy, including men and it’s been a yearly reminder since then.

Objectives of International Men’s Health Week 2024

Men’s Health Week in 2024 has big goals:

• To talk about health issues that men and boys often feel uncomfortable talking about.
• To give out important health info through tools like the ‘Know Your Man Facts’ kits.
• To run health events in different places where men and boys can learn and join in.

How the Event is Celebrated Worldwide

Men’s Health Week is a time for everyone to focus on keeping men and boys healthy. It happens through big talks, health tests, learning classes, and fun events. Above all, it’s about spotting and treating health problems early.

Why the Focus on Men’s Health and Wellbeing?

In recent times, more attention has been given to men’s mental health and well-being. This change highlights the special obstacles men face. This is especially true when dealing with mental health issues.

The Importance of Mental Health for Men

Mental health is critical for everyone’s wellness, including men. Yet, data shows men often avoid getting help for their mental health. Men’s Health Week is set to spotlight these challenges. It aims to get men to focus more on their emotional health.

Addressing the ‘Tough Guy’ Syndrome in Australian Men

A lot of Australian men hold on to the idea of being tough. This can stop them from getting help on time or talking openly about their health. The ‘tough guy’ belief can make men ignore mental and physical health issues. In 2024, Men’s Health Week in Australia plans to fight this stereotype. It wants to encourage open talks about men’s health and feelings.

Men’s Health Week highlights the need for men to care about their mental health. It also wants to change unhelpful beliefs that being vulnerable is bad. The goal is to create an environment where men aren’t afraid to take care of themselves. They should feel safe from being judged or stigmatised.

How Does Australia’s Participation Enhance Men and Boys’ Health?

Like elsewhere in the world, in Australia it is important we look after the health and wellbeing of men and boys. There are many Australian organisations working hard to make sure boys and men stay healthy. For example, the Centre for Male Health at Western Sydney University organises the national campaign, Men’s Health Week, for everyone in the country to take part. At the same time, the Australian Men’s Health Forum plans many activities and events.

What Are the Main Activities During Men’s Health Week 2024?

Men’s Health Week is a yearly event in Australia. Its main goal is to promote and support the health and wellbeing of men. This week involves health week activities. These aim to make men aware of their physical and mental health.

Men’s Health Week Activities Across Australia

Encouraging men and boys to take care of themselves is a big focus. Events include talks, health checks, and community meet-ups. Men’s Health Week 2024 features:

• Workshops on handling stress, eating well, and staying fit
• Free check-ups for diabetes, heart health, and more
• Fun activities like runs and bike rides, and expos dedicated to men’s health
• Q&A sessions and talks by health experts online

How to Participate in 2024 Events

You can join Men’s Health Week 2024 by taking part in your community’s events. Men and boys should aim to make small but important changes in their life. For example:

1. Start moving more by walking or playing sports
2. Eat better by choosing more fruits, veggies, and whole grains
3. Find ways to get better sleep or reduce stress
4. Don’t be afraid to get help for mental health, or build a strong support group

Taking part in events and improving your habits leads to a healthier life. This is the message of Men’s Health Week.

Suicide rates – Australian men

In 2023, the Australian Bureau of Statistics shared a worrying fact. They said the rate of suicide among Australian men was more than three times higher than for women. This news highlights a big issue. It shows the urgent need to encourage healthy habits and tackle preventable health problems, especially mental health issues. These affect men all through the country.

Services to support men and prevent suicide

Realising the need to change this trend, many groups in Australia are now offering help. They aim to assist men who are struggling with thoughts of suicide or mental health issues. The Men’s Health Network is one such group. They have a Men’s Help Line, a counselling service just for men, that’s free to use.

Plus, there’s a project called Mates in Construction. It focuses on helping builders and others in the construction industry. This work is vital because these workers are more at risk of suicide. Such initiatives encourage talking openly about mental health. They also make it easy for men to find the help they need.

• The MHW (Men’s Health Week) raises awareness about men’s mental health and support available.
• Organisations like the Men’s Help Line and Mates in Construction provide free counselling and aid for men.
• Encouraging healthy choices and facing health issues head-on are key to men’s well-being.

How Can Men Improve Their Health During the Week?

Men’s Health Week 2024 is a chance for men to focus on preventing health issues and starting healthy practices. Since 1994, it’s been a worldwide effort after the World Congress on Men’s Health. It aims to get men and boys to notice and treat diseases early.

Healthy Habits to Adopt During Men’s Health Week

This week, guys are told to:

• Get regular health check-ups to find health problems before they blow up
• Start moving more, adding workouts to their daily life
• Eat healthier, choosing foods that offer more nutrients and fewer bad stuff
• Manage stress better, through things like meditation or yoga
• Get help if they’re struggling with mental health, from professionals or groups

Following these tips regularly often helps men feel better and healthier, both physically and mentally.

Accessing Resources and Support Networks

Men’s Health Week links guys to helpful materials and people who care about men’s health. This means:

• Getting info and tools from places like the Australian Men’s Health Forum
• Joining groups online or in person to talk openly about men’s health
• Speaking with doctors or counsellors who focus on men’s unique health issues.
• BUSY Health offer telehealth appointments with professional psychologists, these can be accessed via your Medicare Health Plan, NDIS or private appointment.

By reaching out to these resources and networks, men get advice and support for doing better health-wise.

Benefits of Regular Health Check-ups

Seeing a doc regularly is key for spotting and treating diseases early in men and boys. Men’s Health Week wants everyone to think about why these check-ups are crucial. They help:

• Spot health problems early, making them easier to fix
• Handle existing health issues, stopping them from getting worse
• Let men talk about any health worries with healthcare experts

By making check-ups a regular thing, men look after their health and happiness proactively.

Age Group	Recommended Frequency of Health Check-ups
18-39 years	Every 1-3 years
40-64 years	Annually
65+ years	Annually or as advised by a doctor

Scheduling regular check-ups helps men keep an eye on their health. This often means fighting off health problems before they become serious.

What Support Is Available for Men’s Mental Health?

Men and women often show different signs of mental health problems. Men may show signs like being irritable, angry, or using substances. Others might take risky actions or avoid social activities. Raising awareness and support can help men and boys in their health and happiness.

Recognising Signs of Mental Health Issues in Men

Men might hide or suppress their mental struggles, which can lead to acting out with aggression or turning to self-medicating with alcohol or drugs. It’s important to notice these signs just like we would notice a physical issue and do something sensible to deal with it. Early support and finding the right resources can really help men to overcome their mental health struggles and lead more fulfilling lives.

Organisations and Hotlines for Immediate Support

Australia offers help through Lifeline, Beyond Blue, and MensLine Australia. They give private advice and support oriented to the needs and issues faced by men and boys.

These sites are essential in raising awareness and offering a helping hand. Highlighting these services during Men’s Health Week can encourage important conversations about mental well-being.

If you would like help to manage stress, mental health concerns, performance or relationships in your life, BUSY Health can also help. Find out more about our Telehealth appointments with one of our professional psychologists or mental health practitioners.