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Deadly dads equal deadly kids by Kylie O’Brien 19 November 2015
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punipima Men’s health team is reminding the wider community to not forget the role a father plays in helping to raise a family. This Movember, Apunipima Cape York Health Council is joining the hairiest season of the month to encourage male staff (Mo Bros) to grow their mos and female staff (Mo Sistas) to move for at least 30 minutes each day for November. Apunipima men’s health team and staff are aiming to raise $1000 towards the global fight for men’s health. Social and Emotional Wellbeing Men’s Health manager Bernard David said involving fathers and dads-to-be from pre-pregnancy to after the birth of their baby was important to form bonding between a father and child. He said when a father is involved in their child’s life from the start, there are positive longterm outcomes for family and relationships flourish. “The mother-to-be is carrying the baby and when the baby arrives, fathers can feel overwhelmed as the attention now becomes focussed on the baby,” Mr David said. “However, dads can become involved in day-to-day routines where the baby is involved such as
Quinton Walker and baby Dallas Ford. Image supplied
getting a bath ready for his child and help to wash nappies and those sorts of things that come with having a baby. “Fathers need to engage with their children from early in their child’s life because that builds the foundations for good relationships with the child and family.” Social and Emotional Wellbeing Men’s health Worker Michael Drahm says, “We now know that fathers providing a protecting nurturing environment has a huge impact on the child’s later life
outcomes such as with mental health, substance abuse and chronic disease, so dads, uncles, grandads all need to play a role and be valued in bringing up kids.” Visit au.movember.com for more details and to donate to Apunipima’s cause visit http:// moteam.co/apunipima-cape-yorkhealth-council Check out Stayin’ On Track, an online resource developed by Aboriginal men for Aboriginal dads at stayinontrack.com
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