It’s a story which has become all too common, men losing their lives far too early. On average men die five years earlier than women (1). It is mostly thanks to unhealthy lifestyles. A few of the guilty habits are:

• Engaging in unhealthy behaviour (eg. smoking, drinking, not wearing sun protection, not getting enough mental and physical activity) (2,3),

• Not doing enough to prevent or manage illness,

• Not investing in health insurance,

• Working in dangerous occupations,

• Putting off seeing the doctor when we really should and need to go (4).

Research has found that five male deaths every hour could have been prevented (6) and as a result of premature death there are devastating flow-on effects. Our families are likely to suffer emotionally and financially, when they see their beloved male relatives leave their lives, increasing their risk of also becoming subject to poor health (5).

The eight conditions highlighted in red can usually be prevented by making a few lifestyle changes. The cold hard facts are staring us in the face! But we can overcome this. We need to challenge the cultures, stereotypes and ideologies that push men towards developing chronic health conditions and dying prematurely.

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References

(1) ABS. (2009a). Causes of Death. Australian Bureau of Statistics, 3303.0.

(2) ABS.  (2009b). 2007-08 National health survey: summary of results Australia. Australian Bureau of Statistics, 4364.0.

(3) AIHM, (2008) Australia's Health 2008, Australian Institute of Health and Welfare: Canberra, Cat No. AUS 99.

(4) Brott, A. (n.d.) Blueprint for men’s health: A guide to a healthy lifestyle (2nd ed.) Washington, DC: Men’s Health Network.

(5) Hadley, B. & Warren, D. (2008). Families, incomes and jobs, Volume 3: A statistical report on waves 1 to 5 of the HILDA survey. Melbourne Institute of Applied Economics and Social Research, The University of Melbourne: Melbourne.

(6) Mathers, C., Vos, T. & Stevenson, C. (1999). The burden of disease and injury in Australia. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare: Canberra, Cat No. PHE 17