Aussie men urged not to delay seeking health treatment
Australian men are being urged not to put off routine health checks as early conversations with a doctor can save lives.
In the second week of June, Men's Health Week aims to draw attention to preventable health issues and close life expectancy gaps between men and women.
On average, men have a shorter life expectancy than women and are more likely to die from preventable conditions like heart disease, cancer and suicide.
During this year's Men's Health Week, Aussie men are being urged to prioritise their wellbeing and 'see your GP'.
Men living in regional and rural areas are particularly encouraged to do so as they often put off seeing their doctor.
This can be due to distance, busy workloads, or the 'she'll be right' attitude, Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine president Rod Martin said.
"Men will look after their cars, tools and families better than themselves," he told AAP.
"The truth is, early checks and conversations with your doctor can save your life and your Rural Generalist (RG) doctor is there to help you, not judge you."
Men living in very remote areas die up to 13 years earlier than those in cities, and rates of potentially avoidable deaths are two and a half times higher.
Dr Martin sees the biggest influx in check ups among men after their mates have been diagnosed with something.
"There's sometimes a bit of denial and thinking it won't happen to me," he said.
"But it needs to become a normal part of the discussion for men to talk about lots of different aspects of their health."
The Australian Men's Health Forum is hosting a record number of events, including webinars on prostate cancer and stroke, mental health expos, walking football and community BBQs.
The national campaigns are aimed at promoting prevention, connection and visibility in men's health.
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