Men's Health Week 2023

Men’s Health Week Week

June 12–18, 2023

Men’s Health Week sparks year-round commitment to well-being

Men’s Health Week is an annual event observed globally to raise awareness about men’s health issues and encourage men to take proactive steps towards improving their well-being. It typically takes place during the second week of June every year, although the specific dates may vary.

The primary goal of Men’s Health Week is to promote a better understanding of

men’s health concerns and to encourage early detection and treatment of diseases that disproportionately affect men. The week serves as a platform to educate men about various health issues they may face throughout their lives, such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health challenges, cardiovascular diseases, and lifestyle-related conditions like

obesity and diabetes.

During Men’s Health Week, numerous organizations, healthcare providers, community groups, and government agencies collaborate to organize events and initiatives that aim to improve men’s health outcomes. These activities may include health screenings, educational campaigns, workshops, fitness challenges, public lectures, and

fundraising events. The ultimate objective is to empower men with the knowledge and resources needed to make informed decisions about their health and well-being.

It is important to note, that while Men’s Health Week is an excellent opportunity to focus on men’s health, maintaining good health is a year-round commitment.

Men are encouraged to schedule

regular check-ups with healthcare professionals, adopt healthy lifestyle habits, engage in physical activity, manage stress, eat a balanced diet, and seek support for their mental and emotional well-being.

By promoting awareness, prevention, and early intervention, Men’s Health Week aims to improve the overall health and longevity of men worldwide.

Men’s Health Week

Jarrod the Smiler makes case for support

By Jaci Hicken

Jarrod Thomas is known around town as Jarrod the Smiler for his happy-golucky nature and welcoming customers to Goodyear Autocare Echuca with a smile.

But this is a story about mental health.

“The reason I wanted to talk about mental health and make more awareness about it is because my family has gone through their own struggles,” Mr Thomas said.

“My family has bonded together through mental health issues.

“It takes effect on everyone in your family and close ones that you dearly love.

“It does mean a lot to me that we need to have more awareness of mental health, whether it is for men, for women or for children.

“I don’t believe that there is enough support out there for mental health.” Mr Thomas is happy to get his face out into the community and talk about mental health for the betterment of all.

“For me one of the best things about talking about it is my network of friends, it is to go away on a boys’ trip and have some banter,” he said.

“The camaraderie of friends helps, whether it’s playing golf together or just popping down to the pub to talk about what is going on in our lives, with families and kids.”

And he is taking his crew at Goodyear Autocare Echuca along with him.

“We, along with the Worklocker crew, are raising awareness of breast cancer,” he said.

“So we are going pink, and all wearing pink on Fridays.

“It is also about awareness around mental health, just saying to anyone that’s struggling that I am always here to have a chat, regardless of whether you come in for tyres or not.

“It’s not just about business and tyres.

“A friendly smile and a chat … it could be a chat about what’s going on in the real world and what’s happening.”

Mr Thomas knows that he is not equipped with the knowledge to help people going through mental health problems, but he does have a sympathetic ear willing to listen.

“I think, sometimes if you can talk to someone and even if it’s one or two per cent you can get off your chest, or be able to talk about your problems with your mates or even a counsellor, you might be better in the long run,” he said.

You can find Jarrod Thomas and that renowned smile at Goodyear Autocare Echuca located at 595 High St, Echuca.

It does mean a lot to me that we need to have more awareness of mental health, whether it is for men, for women or for children. I don’t believe that there is enough support out there for mental health.

Jarrod Thomas, aka Jarrod the Smiler, is the owner of Goodyear Autocare Echuca Moama.

Jarrod Thomas

Men’s Health Week

Helping people navigate through dif ficult times

By Jaci Hicken Echuca Regional Health

Cancer and Wellness Centre prostate cancer specialist nurse Serena Morley’s role is to look after men going through prostate cancer.

“The best time to meet someone is around diagnosis,” she said.

“That is generally a time when they have high levels of distress, because they are unsure of what is happening.

“They don’t fully understand what treatment options are potentially available to them.”

Mrs Morley helps people navigate the hospital system, their diagnosis and provides expert information and support to the whole family.

“We help with their overall state of wellbeing, their confidence, helping them to manage their diagnosis and improve their psychological health and wellbeing,” she said.

“Overall we aim to make people feel less anxious about their treatment and the potential side effects.”

Once a person has completed their treatment and is on surveillance, Mrs Morley keeps in touch with them.

She provides ongoing support, assisting patients to be linked in with services they require and ensuring they keep their follow-up appointments with specialists.

“We are that person at the hospital that they can ring up and talk through any questions that they might have,” Mrs Morley said.

Mrs Morley said there were two factors that increased a man’s risk of developing prostate cancer: a family history of the disease and his age.

The symptoms of prostate cancer may include frequent difficulty, pain or discomfort when urinating, blood in urine or semen, or pain in the lower back, upper thighs or hips.

“A lot of urinary symptoms are because of the location of where the prostate sits with the bladder, these symptoms may lead you to go to your doctor, they don’t necessarily mean that you have prostate cancer,” Mrs Morley said.

“But they might be symptoms, which might lead you to go ‘okay, I think I need to go to the GP and have a discussion’.”

Mrs Morley’s advice is that men over the age of 50 should have a chat with their doctor about having a PSA test.

“If you have a family history of prostate cancer, you can have a chat with your GP and start having a PSA at the age of 40,” she said.

“But, if you have symptoms you should go to the GP before that.

“It is about educating men about knowing their own body and when they need to visit the GP and seek advice.”

A simple blood test, a PSA test

June 12 and 18.

We help with their overall state of wellbeing, their confidence, helping them to manage their diagnosis and improve their psychological health and wellbeing. Overall we aim to make people feel less anxious about their treatment and the potential side effects.

Serena Morley

can help identify any concerns in the prostate but does not mean that you have prostate cancer.

An elevated PSA test result could be an indication of a prostatic hyperplasia, enlarged prostate, an infection, because of a man’s age or recent intimacy with a partner, not necessarily prostate cancer.

There are a number of steps that are medically taken before a diagnosis of prostate cancer is reached, including a referral, by your GP, to a urologist for testing and investigation.

Currently there are 240,000 men living with the impacts of prostate cancer in Australia.

Every 22 minutes a man will be diagnosed with prostate cancer, making it the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia.

For Men’s Health Week the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia is encouraging people to help support the fight against prostate cancer and take part in ‘Perfect Match’.

Perfect Match is asking people to raise funds for prostate cancer research by walking 22km between June 12 and 18.

Every dollar that is donated during Perfect Match will be matched by sponsors to double the impact into prostate cancer research.

▯ To sign up to Perfect Match go to https://www.perfectmatch. org.au/home

▯ Prostate cancer specialist nurse

Serena Morley can be contacted through the ERH Cancer and Wellness Centre on 5485 5270.

Serena Morley helps people navigate the hospital system, their diagnosis and provides expert information and support to the whole family.

Echuca Regional Health’s Cancer and Wellness Centre was opened recently by Victorian Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas.

Perfect Match is asking people to raise funds for prostate cancer research by walking 22km between

Men’s Health Week

By Jaci Hicken Campaspe Dental dentist

Tony Lee knows keeping up to date with caring for your teeth will ensure you are able to keep them for life.

“A visit to the dentist is never as bad or hurts as much as people think it does,” Dr Lee said.

“If you jump on top of things, it is often easier and a lot more straightforward.”

Over nearly 20 years as a dentist Dr Lee has noticed a difference in the way women approach going to the dentist compared to men.

“Men often leave things, don't deal with them early, leaving little things a little too late,” Dr Lee said.

“And then they often become bigger than they need to be.

“Women do tend to get on top of things and treat their teeth when they first have a bit of a niggle.

“The wives and mums make the appointment for the kids and themselves and sometimes it is a struggle to get the guys in, but it doesn’t have to be.”

The practice is finding it is becoming more common for people to be diagnosed with grinding and jaw clenching.

This can be helped with

occlusal splint therapy or night guards to protect your teeth and jaw from damage.

“There is a bit of stress around, from the last couple of years, lending itself to grinding and teeth clenching,” Dr Lee said.

“Guys tend to do things with their teeth that they are not meant to do, like ripping tape and holding things between their teeth. Tradies are trouble for this, with holding things like nails between their teeth.

“And then there is opening bottle tops and ripping packets with teeth, which we all know we are not supposed to do, but people still tend to.”

Dr Lee sees many men for broken teeth and toothaches that could have been treated earlier or avoided altogether.

The practice offers preventative care through regular check-ups, cosmetic dental, including whitening, veneers, crown and bridge dentistry, and the restoration of your teeth, so you can keep them for life.

▯ To book an appointment with Dr Lee or any of the other dentists at Campaspe Dental, phone 5482 1217 or call in at 525 High St, Echuca.

Campaspe Dental’s Dr Tony Lee encouraged men to deal with their teeth issues early before leaving them too late.

Men’s Health Week

Worklocker offers boots and lots more

By Jaci Hicken

Worklocker Echuca has been providing an excellent service to the community for more than two decades.

The business journey started for Matt and Jaime Lake as Echuca-Moama Mensland in 2001 and became Numanz Embroidery in 2008.

But it was the shift to Worklocker Echuca in 2018 that proved the game-changer.

“The customers were never too sure what Numanz had to offer, whereas Worklocker being more branded at the workwear industry - fully stocked and full of value makes you think ‘I have to go and have a look in there’ Jaime said

They stock workboots, men’s formal wear, hire suits, ladies corporate wear, school wear, chef wear, team uniforms and Workwear for both men and women.

“We sell a lot of work boots, having a wide range of work boots for every size and every type of work situation your feet will find themselves in,” Jaime said.

Worklocker Echuca also stocks a wide variety of school uniforms.

They are your go-to choice for a suit purchase or a hire suit, available in every body shape and size for all occasions, funeral, father of the bride/ groom, a day at the races or a deb ball.

Worklocker Echuca also gives back to the community through sponsorship of local events, fundraisers and sporting clubs

The Worklocker Echuca team has been serving the twin towns for more than two decades.

“We do a lot of merchandise for many local football netball clubs, as well as organisations such as CLRS with their annual event of Johnno’s Run, the most recent being ‘Around Mates’ initiative by Scott Vesty supporting men’s mental health as well as the Tradies Support the Ladies – Wear Pink on Fridays Breast Cancer awareness,” Jaime said.

Worklocker Echuca offers inhouse embroidery and printing that will enhance every businesses’ corporate image.

The onsite state-of-the-art embroidery machines and direct to film printer enable them to deliver prompt, professional and efficient service every time.

No job is a hassle and they can accommodate all your needs.

▯ For the full range of Worklocker Echuca workwear, design and embroidery go to https://worklockerechuca.com.au/ To contact the team, visit 130 Hare St, Echuca, email echuca@worklocker.com.au or phone 5482 1822.

The Worklocker Echuca team is more than happy to have a chat and help you be guided through many options and choices on offer.

WHAT IS TRADIES SUPPORT THE LADIES ALL ABOUT?

AWARENESS | EDUCATION | EARLY DETECTION | SUPPORT | SAVING LIVES ON FRIDAYS, WE WEAR PINK!

It couldn’t be more simple - wear pink to show your support. Conversations start with an ice-breaker, and a pink shirt is a great way to get talking about breast cancer awareness. The more we talk, the more open we become, the more aware we are of symptoms, the higher the chance of early detection & survival.

*CALL US TODAY TO MAKE YOUR TEAM PINK ON FRIDAYS*

We all know the big breast cancer charities - they’re out there, and they do fantastic, vital work.

A percentage of proceeds of pink product sales will go to our LOCAL Cancer Wellness Centre

TRADIES SUPPORT THE LADIES IS A NON-PROFIT ORGANISATION. THEIR AIM IS TO RAISE AWARENESS, PROMOTE EARLY DETECTION, PROVIDE COMMUNITY SUPPORT TO THOSE AFFECTED AND HELP SAVE AS MANY LIVES AS POSSIBLE.

Men’s Health Week

Steering you in right direction at Autobarn

By Jaci Hicken

Autobarn Echuca owner Matt Newton and his team can steer you in the right direction when it comes to driver comfort and safety on our roads.

“We offer everything to make your car feel more practical, more comfortable driving on the road,” Mr Newton said.

“We stock a wide range of vehicle accessories, and if we don’t have it in stock and we can get it, we can definitely order it.”

Autobarn Echuca’s range of vehicle accessories is for every driver, whether you are a motor enthusiast or a teenager working on their first car.

The products on offer at Autobarn can be then fitted by staff in the onsite workshop.

This includes roof-racks, audio systems, cruise control, battery systems, brake controllers, UHF radios and dash cams.

“Most accessories for your vehicle, including bull bars and tow bars, can be fitted on site,” Mr Newton said.

“We fit seat covers to warm up people’s bottoms on a winter’s morning, like the minus one temperature we have had recently.

“As the weather changes and the nights get darker, all of a sudden the lighting side of things becomes very popular.

“People are upgrading their headlight globes, replacing blown globes that they have put up with for a while, but can’t put up with any longer.

“And people want to add driving lights or light bars to the front of their vehicle for extra lighting, that is probably one of the most popular things at the moment.”

The team at Autobarn Echuca strives for great customer service.

“The guys go out of their way to learn about new products and new things in the industry,” Mr Newton said.

“They do whatever training they can, to make sure they have the correct knowledge.

“You can give us a ring, but dropping in is always good.

“More likely you will have your car out the front and if you are not sure about your vehicle details, or we need to check something on the vehicle, we can go straight outside and check.”

▯ Drop by and see the team at Autobarn Echuca seven days a week at 182 Annesley St, Echuca or call 5480 2700.

GEAR UP FOR TAX TIME

The Autobarn Echuca team can help you when it comes to driver comfort and safety on our roads.

Men’s Health Week

Goodyear prides itself on A1 service

By Jaci Hicken

Looking after your car and its tyres is just as important as looking after yourself.

The team at Goodyear Autocare Echuca Moama is there to do this for you, looking after your car and its tyres.

“I have a really good team

here providing, we think, A1 service,” Goodyear Autocare Echuca Moama owner Jarrod Thomas said.

“We have plenty of experience, with Peter, the mechanic, on site, so we can do full servicing on cars.

“Using up-to-date diagnostics, Peter now has an apprentice working with

him, so the services we can offer have expanded.”

Goodyear Autocare Echuca Moama offers brake servicing, wheel alignments, balancing and battery replacements.

On the tyre side, Goodyear Autocare Echuca Moama has tyres for all car types and driving conditions.

The tyre range includes

brands for both personal and commercial vehicles.

“With my crew that we have here we can accommodate any problems that you may endure while you are driving,” Mr Thomas said.

“If your steering wheel starts to vibrate or your car’s not handling as well as what it used to, especially with the

colder mornings, you might want to get into your local tyre store.

“And just get them to have a quick look over your car to stay safe on the road.

“It is one of those things, I would like people to stay safe on the road.

“Whether they buy tyres and get service from me, that’s

up to them, all we try to provide is good, honest service.

“You will always get a friendly smile from me when you come in.”

▯ You can find Goodyear Autocare Echuca Moama at 595 High St, Echuca, phone 5482 1188, and 17 Meninya St, Moama, phone 5480 6069.

The Goodyear Autocare Echuca team.

Men’s Health Week

Mate, you’re welcome at Echuca Workers

By Jaci Hicken

Echuca Workers is a community club where everyone is welcome.

“We encourage everyone to come down and have a beer, soft drink or even a coffee to catch up with your mates,” Echuca Workers general manager Erin Langman said.

“There is plenty of seating, and comfortable places to meet.

“If sport is your thing, you can catch up with your mates in our sports bar and watch the match on the big screen.

“Alternatively, if sport is not your thing, you can always catch up for a coffee.”

Echuca Workers is open every day from 9.30am, with the café open all day, every day for coffee, cake and snacks.

“It doesn’t matter what time you come in or how many of you there are, it can be one mate, two mates, five or more mates,” Ms Langman said.

“You will always be greeted with a friendly smile, and have a place to catch up.”

Ms Langman has noticed a group of men has taken Echuca Workers up as a venue for their regular catch-up.

“There is a group of gentlemen that come in every Wednesday morning, that’s been happening for

the last six to eight weeks,” she said.

“And it is good to see them all connecting.

“They are not sitting at home, they are not disconnected from the community or their mates, which is really nice to see.”

Being a community club, the Echuca Workers contributes to lots of community and sporting groups, both financially and with in-kind donations.

Staff find that men feature prominently in these groups, especially local football and cricket.

Echuca Workers serves lunch and dinner seven days a week, with happy hours Friday and Sunday.

The Friday night raffles are always popular, as too music in the lounge on Sundays with drink card giveaways.

If you want to have a shot, there are two full-size billiard tables that have been taking breaks at the club for over 50 years.

Echuca Workers is located at 165-173 Annesley St, Echuca.

▯ Lunch or dinner bookings can be made at https:// www.echucaworkers. com.au or call 5482 3140.

Jim Thomas, Neil Campbell, Geoff Kornmann, Nick Dorogoj and Brian Daragan catch-up at Echuca Workers.

Men’s Health Week

Hip Pocket has all your workwear options covered

By Jaci Hicken

After more than two decades at the helm, Hip Pocket Workwear & Safety Echuca owner Jack Quinn knows the quality and standards you need in workwear.

“Our core business over the years has been providing safe and durable workwear that comply with all the safety standards required to go to work safely,” Mr Quinn said.

“Each item of clothing, especially if it is high-visibility, has to meet the Australian safety standards.

“The companies that supply us with products have had the items rigorously tested to Australian safety standards, so that they comply with all the requirements, such as brightness for day-night wear and durability.

“And it is the same for footwear — all the footwear we

sell complies with Australian safety standards.”

Hip Pocket Workwear

Echuca has a full range of high-visibility clothes, including items embossed with reflective tape for people working at night.

The business works with a wide range of businesses, including schools, hospitals, councils and light and heavy industry to supply workwear and occupational health and safety products.

On top of supplying high-quality clothing that meets Australian safety standards, Hip Pocket Workwear Echuca has a large embroidery business attached to its operations. This means it carries out a lot of promotional work around town for businesses and community groups.

“All corporate logos can be embroidered on to every

garment that we sell, and in this day and age, most companies want corporate branding on their apparel,” Mr Quinn said.

"We work with schools, retirement businesses, hospitals, licensed clubs, and we do a lot of corporate work with football clubs, golf clubs, tennis clubs, cricket clubs, all that sort of stuff.

“Hip Pocket Workwear

Echuca supports a lot of organisations that are fundraising, trying to develop their profiles in the community with wearable merchandise.

“We do a fair bit of embroidery work in the horse industry, with lightweight horse rugs and things like that being popular for embroidery.

“It is amazing what industries we work in.”

▯ You can find Hip Pocket Workwear & Safety Echuca at 173 Pakenham St, Echuca or phone 5480 1027.

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