It’s Men’s Health Week from 9–15 June 2025 and that’s a reminder to focus on your health and wellbeing.
It might sound like a generalisation, but the stats show that men are less likely than women to seek help with their health. Only 37% of men and boys reach out for support when they need it. There is a tendency to ignore symptoms or delay regular checkups. This results in 50 men in Australia dying each day from preventable causes.
In many cases, men are potentially at higher risk of certain diseases and mental health conditions than women.
So, what can you do to get on top of things?
- Book a health check through your GP. Don’t wait until your health worsens - actively manage your health as soon as possible. Health checks can save your life.
- ‘Know your numbers’ – and monitor them. Body mass index, blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar are the key numbers that can alert you to early changes in your health.
- Exercise! We know that physical activity improves health and boosts wellbeing. Sit less, move more, live longer. A short daily walk could add three years to your life.
- Give up the smokes and the vape. More men than women smoke – and smoking is estimated to kill more than 24,000 Australians every year. Australian National University research identifies smoking as Australia’s biggest killer. Vaping too is a serious health risk - especially among young people.
- Your mates are important. It helps to talk to your mates during times of difficulty. Feeling supported, connected and empowered is crucial to addressing mental health issues. Talking with friends can be the first step to seeking help with your problems.
- Seek professional help. Sadly, life expectancy for men, on average, is four years shorter than women. And according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, men have a three times higher risk of dying by suicide. If you’re facing lifechanging issues, organisations like BeyondBlue, Lifeline and others can help you through.
For further help, here are some resources :
Australian Men's Health Forum