STI's over the festive season

Because we are in the holiday season and I know this is a time for going out and letting your guard down; I Just wanted to let you blokes out there know about some STI (Sexually Transmitted Infections) information.

STI's in South Australia are VERY COMMON. Chlamydia: The MOST COMMON STI has risen dramatically. In 2001 out of the 31,000 tests there were 1472 people that tested positive for this. In 2010 the number of positive tests climbed to 4390. The rate of Chlamydia has TRIPLED.

Don't think that STIs are a young persons issue. One of the quickest growing age groups to contract Chlamydia is people in their 40s. Chlamydia often goes unnoticed in men and women and can lead to some fertility issues if untreated. So......

If you are joining in the festivities and are engaging in sexual relations with someone. MAKE SURE YOU PRACTICE SAFER SEX. This means either wear a condom: or.... abstain. These are the ONLY 2 options for ensuring you won't get Chlamydia.

If you have had unprotected sex then HAVE a check up. The test for Chlamydia is easy. It is just a wee in a cup. If the test comes back positive then all you need to do is have a course of antibiotics. So..... stay safe.

If you want more information on Chlamydia go here. If you want other STI information go here.

Men's Group

Currently the SFHS Men's Health worker (myself) and the Men's Engagement Network (M.E.N) are planning a regular time and place for men to get together. We already have the time but not the place ( this is under negotiation)

The time for the 1st Men's get together will be January 13th (ahhh Friday the 13th. An auspicious date) from 6.00pm til 8.00pm.

Stay tuned for more details and hope to see you there.

Men’s Get Together

(For all men on the Southern Fleurieu)

This FREE group will include:

> A place to discuss life over a cup of tea or coffee

> A place to hear other Men talk about their experience with

§ Life

§ Depression

§ Caring for a loved one

§ Sexual health

§ Or anything you can think of or…nothing at all

> A free BBQ

>

The Men’s get together is a pressure free, violence free, homophobia free, drug free, men’s space

Learn to Surf

Surfing is not about image. It is a great way to get/remain healthy. Being outside and in the ocean is a lifestyle. Now is your chance to GET INTO IT - REGARDLESS OF YOUR CURRENT LEVEL OF FITNESS.

We have been lucky enough to get some funds to support those of you men who want to learn to surf to GET STARTED. This will occur in Febuary. The Men's Surf Program will start on the last Monday in Feb, from 12.pm - 2.00pm and will run for 6 weeks; all tuition, boards and wetsuits provided. Participants will need to pay $60 on day one to cover the costs. If this fee is unable to be met we may be able to sort something out.

If you are interested in taking up this opportunity ( or you know someone who is) give Lud Allen (me) a call on 8552 9214 or 0422459660. Places are limited.

Surfs Up!!!

5EFM supports Men's Health

5EFM radio supports men's health:

I was recently invited onto 5EFM to discuss men's health in a general way. This discussion has led to a regular fortnightly spot on 5EFM. The time will be on Thursday mornings at 10.30. Next one will be on January 5th.

Be sure to tune in.

Men's Shed

It was great to be at the opening of the new Men's Shed at the Encounter Centre. I reckon this will grow and provide a great service to many of us men in the region.

Good on these blokes for getting it started.

The Shed will be closed over the christmas break and re open on Friday January 27.

Men and Separation

Separation is a hell of a challenge, it is distressing and difficult. I have had it described to me as "the most pain I have ever felt"

Men often feel powerless, angry, spinning, lonely, sad, shocked and many many other feelings.

These are normal feelings and the good news is that most of us face these feelings and survive and hopefully learn to thrive over time.

If this is happening to you or someone you know a good resource to read is the booklet 'Men and Separation - Navigating the Future'

If you would like a copy of this booklet give me a call or email. Alternatively you may want to call MensLine Austalia on 130078999 ( a free call open 24/7) or click here and access their online forums and counselling services, or just browse their website.

Don't forget you can always access your GP and local mental health services as well.

2nd Men's steering group meeting

We had the 2nd productive meeting forthe men's health steering group. See below for the rough notes and current ideas of this group.

Mens Steering Group

Meeting Notes 15/12/2001

PRESENT: APOLOGIES:

Lud Allen David Hammond

Bill Harris

Greg Moore

Nigel Willikenson

Notes:

informal discussion regarding the following:

• Brief round about thoughts between the last meeting and this one.

• New Ideas: All in the group were asked if they had new ideas for discussion. This conversation centered around the need to ensure that the Men’s health position continues as a long term position.

1. contact and enlist support of local councils

2. health services leadership groups

3. state/federal politicians

4. local groups such as sporting clubs/sapol/farmers federation/employment groups

5. whalers housing/southern junction etc

Hold another Men’s Forum in February to deliver information on the current access of the men’s health position. Showing the need that has been identiofied ( the successes this has created) and the Gap that is existing in services.

• Men’s Blog: Lud asked if anyone present or people that are known would like to be a contributer to the Men’s Blog.

• What has happened so far.

Lud gave an update of the Men’s Health position:

1. connections with Goolwa Dad’s group
2. continuuing of service mapping
3. approval via SFHS to start a ‘Men’s Group’ with funds to provide food or other resources. ( looks like this will start Mid January)
4. continuing to receive many phone calls from individuals and organizations and have linked more men to services.
5. Will be on 5EFM to discuss Men’s needs.

• Greg gave an update on the Men’s Shed.

• We discussed a name for this group and Bills suggestion was unanamoulsy agreed. It looks like we will call ourselves Men’s Engagement Network (MEN)

This was another very positive meeting with lots of ideas. I would like to thank the men that came along for showing an interest, being very proactive and for making the night enjoyable as well as productive.

Next Meeting is:

Thursday Jan 12^{th –} 6.00pm

Underneath the Gospel Centre in the SFHS Men’s Health office

Man Flu

Because I have had the flu this week it has given me some time to think (as I lay in bed suffering).

I have seen lots of research showing that men do NOT access most health services as much as our female counterparts. Many reasons are given for this, not least of which is "social norms and values associated with a traditional view of masculinity - self reliance, suppression of emotion and perserverence in the face of pain or discomfort" ( The Health of Australia's Males; June 2011; Australian Institute of Health and Welfare). Wellll

During this past week I have been teased and ridiculed by the women in my life for overreacting. They did not use the term overreacting, they used the term 'manflu' as if this is something else than 'flu'. As if because I am sick and act like I am sick that must mean I am weak/playacting/etc.

Its time that ALL of our community support men when they have the gonads to actually be sick. Of course we are going to pretend that nothing is wrong with us most of the time if we get teased for showing our true state of being.

I for one am sick and tired of the term man flu. Men if you are sick, or tired, or depressed or happy----please show it. It only makes us more human.

Want Lifestyle Support

I notice that I put lots of health related things on this blog saying "do this - do that". Well... I know its not as easy as just doing it.

If you are wanting to do something about your weight, your diet, your general outlook but you need someone WITH you and SUPPORTING you then you may be able to access the Lifestyle Advisor from the Southern Fleurieu Health Service. This person works with you and along side you to develop and meet lifestyle goals.

Call the Southern Fleurieu on 8552 0600 and ask to speak to me (Lud) or to the Lifestyle Advisor.

We have already had success with men accessing this service.

Artery care

While at the GP last week I was asked what I know about artery care. As it turns out I know more than I knew I did ( does that make sense?).

My Gp said I need to look after my arteries ALWAYS. Luckily there are 2 things that can help make sure that arteries are in good working order.

• Keep cholesterol down - meaning eat the right foods.
• Exercise - walking, cycling, dancing ( surfing for me).

Good luck

Testosterone levels

Men can get low testosterone levels which can have an impact on a mans physical, psychological and sexual health. The kinds of symptoms that low testosterone may lead to are:

• less energy
• difficulty in concentrating
• depression
• smaller and weaker muscles
• more body fat
• erection difficulty
• less interest in sex
• and others...

Men that have low testosterone often have other health issues as well such as obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. If any of this sounds familiar why not go and get a check up.

If you want to check out a website first have a look at www.test4t.com.au

Yankalilla Family Practice

I just went to the Yankalilla family practice the other day (gotta love a flu in summer). While there I thought I'd ask about men's health and their philosophy. Well I must say I was pleased by the reaction and the feeling that all the practitioners there were really keen to get men in for all sorts of things. We spoke about testosterone, prostate cancer, arteries and more and more.

So men, if you live in the area likely to access the Yank family Practice go on in for a check up. It can't hurt

Goolwa Dad's Group

I went along on Wednesday the 30th November to the Goolwa Dads Group facilitated by David Hammond.

This group was fantastic. The dads that came were all great guys that needed some space from the rigours of fatherhood. Not only was this group fun (with food and drink provided) but it was also educational with discussion about such things as:

• dealing with the stressors of parenting
• how to de stress
• managing discipline as a form of developing relationships between fathers and children

As with many groups of men there were some laughs, a bit of kidding each other and some real sincere support offered to each other.

Ohhh.... and as all parents need. A creche is on site. Awesome.

If you want to find out more contact David Hammond - Community Development Officer on 8555 2509

Men's Steering Group Meets for 1st Time

Mens Steering Group

Meeting Notes 1/12/2001

PRESENT: APOLOGIES:

Lud Allen David Hammond

Bill Harris

Greg Moore

Nigel Willikenson

Notes:

informal discussion regarding the following:

• Introductions

All introduced themselves sharing some personal history and what we weanted from Men’s Health on the Southern Fleurieu.

• Men’s Worker Role

Lud described the current job description for the Men’s health worker.

1. Develop a Men’s network with aim of raising the profile of men’s health.
2. follow up the initial men’s health forum held in June 2011-12-02
3. consult with men re gaps in services and their well being
4. identify existing Men’s groups and develop a directory resource for the region.

• Review of Men’s forum (June 2011)

Discussion about the need to further the ideas presented in the forum.

• What has happened so far.

Lud gave an update of the Men’s Health position so far:

1. connections with Goolwa Dad’s group
2. beginnings of service mapping
3. approval via SFHS to start a ‘Men’s Group’ with funds to provide food or other resources.
4. already receiving many phone calls from individuals and organizations and have linked in 5 men to services.
5. attending 2 white ribbon day events
6. working on media via local radio/newspaper etc.

• Where to from here?
1. Look at ways to develop the Men’s Network including making it an incorporated body so that the network can operate independently
2. Men’s Health Worker to visit Probus (and other) clubs
3. have an ‘opening’ type event with activity such as a debate
4. utilise Men’s Shed space for somethings but also develop other spaces to cater for those not interested in Men’s Shed
5. Men’s Worker to act as a resource for other organizations. To support them to meet their needs.

This was a very positive meeting with lots of ideas. I would like to thank the men that came along for showing an interest, being very proactive and for making the night enjoyable as well as productive.

Next Meeting is:

Thursday Dec 15^th

Underneath the Gospel Centre in the SFHS Men’s Health office

What Am I Afraid Of?

I have borrowed the following information from the movember australia website:

The average life expectancy for men is five years less than women (presently 77 years old compared to 82)

1 in 3 men will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime

Every hour more than 5 men die prematurely in Australia from potentially preventable illnesses

Four times as many men commit suicide compared with women

Almost twice as many Australian men die of skin cancer than women, the fourth most common cancer among men

Every cigarette you smoke takes 8 minutes off your life. Smoking a pack per day for 20 years reduces your life by 13 years

A man’s life span is affected by genetics (24%) and modifiable risk factors (75%)

Men account for 70% of alcohol related deaths

One-third of men have not seen a doctor in the past year. 10% have not seen one for five years

More than two thirds of Australian men are overweight or obese – increasing their chances of developing many diseases

72% of men admit to binge drinking – which can lead to long term brain, heart and liver damage and increased risk of cancer

Each year in Australia, close to 3,300 men die of prostate cancer - equal to the number of women who die from breast cancer annually. Around 20,000 new cases are diagnosed in Australia every year

Testicular cancer is the second most common form of cancer amongst men aged 18-39. However, the outlook is positive for those diagnosed with this disease; with about 95% of men surviving testicular cancer

Those all look pretty scary to me: so............ What am I afraid of......

I'm afraid if I DO NOT go to a GP ASAP for a general checkup I MIGHT BE ONE OF THOSE STATISTICS. I'm going in next week. I hope you do too.

Men and Depression

In the past week I have spoken to three men that are friends of mine, but friends I haven't seen for about 12 months. Each one of these men in the course of our conversation told me that they have been suffering from depression to a greater or lesser extent for several years. The amazing thing is that these men are so different from each other. Their ages are different ( 20, 41 and 58). Their incomes are different, their relationship status is different. Their whole life experience is different. yet they each have (or have had) depression. The WONDERFUL thing about each of these men is that they have EACH gone to a GP for support and their GP's have referred them to specialists. One is on medication for depression the other two are not. Two of them are working full time, one is not. The point is : They TOLD me about this, they did not hide it. They were not shamed, they were PROUD that they did something for themselves - and I am PROUD of them for doing so. Each of these men is doing well, each is currently happy with the place they are at in their life. So..... if you are feeling a bit down....go see your GP.

Below is a video from the organisation 'softenthefckup' which talks about men and suicide. It is a short montage of men telling their story. But be warned they say the F word a lot. So if that word offends you - you might not want to watch the video. If it does not offend you then here goes......

White Ribbon day

Tomorrow is White Ribbon Day when all men should take an oath never to commit, excuse, or remain silent about violence against women.

I'll be at a stand outside Westpac on Ocean Street Victor Harbor from 10am til 12pm with the women of Zonta. Come down and swear your own oath.

Talk About Your Tackle

Have a look at this great ad with Matthew Richardson the football great. If you want to get more information go to this website: http://www.talkaboutyourtackle.org/

Another local does Movember

I only recently met this cool guy at Goolwa. David Hammond runs a dads group at Goolwa and I really enjoyed our meeting.

Here is a link to David's Movember site: http://au.movember.com/mospace/1580962

Its great to see so many local men getting involved in men's health.

1 to 1 lifestyle support

Men of the Southern Fleurieu. Have you ever thought you would like Personal help to improve your health?

Maybe you want help to quit smoking, eat more healthily, drink less alcohol, be more active and manage stress. Maybe you need support to change your behaviours and reduce your risks.

1. If you are18 years or over

2. have one or more of the Smoking/Nutrition/Alocohol/Physical Inactivity/or Stress risk factors

3. do NOT already have a chronic disease

Then... you may be able to access the free government program that will provide you with one to one personal support to improve your lifestyle.

If you want more information about this either contact me (Lud) on 0422459660 or... better yet.... directly contact the lifestyles advisor at the Southern Fleurieu Health Service on 85520600. Ask for Cindy Whittlesea.

This is a great service and we need more men to be proactive and seek healthy support.

Movember on the Fleurieu

Check out these local men and their movember web space. Pretty good to see them doing this. Well done guys. http://au.movember.com/mospace/160307

Thanks to Jeremy Bell for passing this on.

Health benefits of tea

Health benefits of tea

Studies claim that green tea has antioxidant properties that can help prevent cancer, however research is still ongoing. Just because health benefits are advertised it doesnt mean that they are true, or suit everbody. I suggest consulting your GP before using green tea as a disease prevention prpgram. Click on the link above to read more.

Male bowel cancer patients need more information about erectile dysfunction, experts say

Male bowel cancer patients need more information about erectile dysfunction, experts say

Male Bowel Cancer patients are likely to have erectile dysfunction (erectile difficulty) after treatment yet according to a study in the British medical Journal men are not receiving adequate information about this.

What is normal sexual behaviour?

As a sexologist I am forever intrigued by the place that sexuality plays in our lives. One of the questions that I often get asked is " Am I normal"? Clearly this is a bit of a loaded question because 'normal' can mean many things. It could mean " Do I do the same things that most other people do?" It could mean " Is this considered okay in my culture?" It could mean " Is my body working the way it is supposed to?" Well.....

According to the National Survey of Sexual Health and Behaviour; conducted by the Centre for Sexual health Promotion at Indianna University in the USA. People identified the following common behaviours

click here for an enlarged picture of the graph

What does this mean? It means that most of us masturbate. It means that most of us try a range of behaviours throughout or lifespan making us pretty normal. WHY THEN is there so much shame or disgust regarding aspects of sexual behaviours? Doesn't seem to make sense to me. Any comments??

White Ribbon Day

Do you know about Australia's campaign to stop violence against women? Well..... all over Australia men are pledging never to commit, excuse or remain silent about violence against women. THIS is the White Ribbon Campaign. To read more about it go here. The reason that you should have a look at this website is because " The majority of perpetrators of violence are MEN - but the majority of MEN are NOT perpetrators" Its time to stop the disgrace of violence against women.

Do men need support?

Pretty broad question I reckon. Clearly some do and some don't. I guess the point of this question is that when a man needs some sort of support it should be forthcoming. It doesn't matter if the support is for help with a caring role, help with dealing with depression, or help with parenting. When support is needed it SHOULD be accessable.

According to ID consulting 7.1% (compared to a regional SA average of 4.6%) of the Victor Harbor population has stated that it NEEDS support with core living. I wonder how many of these are men? I also wonder how many people in our area have not stated that they need support because the type of support needed is never measured?

Men make up 47% of the Victor Harbor population - yet I doubt ( my own personal view) that services for men receive 47% of funding for specific gender based services. I could be wrong. One of the things that I intend to do is map the services that ARE available specifically for men and then provide this mapping to all who request it.

If you want to look at the population statistics for your area of the Southern Fleurieu go here to start exploring

How many men are there in Australia?

According to the Australian Institute of health and welfare 'The health of Australia's Males' June 2011 there are 11.1 million males living in Australia. Each and everyone of us deserves to live a contented healthy life.

(Go here to get the report).

Southern Men

This blog will be a place to post information about men's health. Some of it will be specific to our local area. Some of it will be information that effects men globally.Whatever it is welcome to Southern Fleurieu Men's health blog.