Department of Veterans' Affairs
Men’s Health Peer Education Magazine Vol. 13 No. 1 March 2014 – The Most Issue
Men’s Health Report Card
Australian men are more likely than Australian women to get sick from serious health problems than Australian women. Compared to women, men visit the doctor less frequently, have shorter visits, and only attend when their illness is in its later stages. For the full Men’s Health Report Card, turn to page 4.
Inside this issue
Does my gut look big in this?
For 63% of Australian adults the answer is probably yes. This is the percentage who are overweight or obese and at risk of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease and some types of cancer. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare released The health of Australia’s males report in June 2011. They found that 2 in 3 Australian men are overweight or obese
A chat with Penny
What issues are important to men? Well Penny surprised me somewhat when she said, putting on her psychology hat, I know quite a bit about this subject. On her frequent walks, early morning and late at night with usual tree stopovers in shopping malls and back streets, she learns just so many things. Penny says she has a regular stopover outside the medical clinic and she notices the patients waiting to be seen by the doctor are usually women and children but it’s a rarity to see a male patient. This says a lot about men’s health.
Secret Women’s Business
This is a MHPE magazine, I know, but indulge me, just for a few moments and let me talk women’s health for a change, because if the fellas are honest with themselves, they may learn something about looking after their own health.
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE: The most commonly diagnosed cancer in men, Tinnitus and hearing loss, Friends for life, When you’re feeling blue and much, much more.
Editorial
Welcome to The Most Issue: the top ranking issues for and about men.
If you were to ask a group of male veterans what they considered were the top ranking issues for and about them, what would be on the list? Would there be differences between the generations, or are there common themes due to their defence service? If we asked the partners and family members of these male veterans what they believed were the top ranking issues, would we need to produce two completely different editions? The theme presented us with some interesting challenges.
We know that male health has been on the national policy agenda since the release of the National Male Health Policy in 2008. The good news is that male life expectancy has increased. Australian men born in 2009 can expect to live 24 years longer than males born in 1901. However, men still have a shorter life expectancy than women, and men are less likely than women to be pro-active about their health and wellbeing.
In this edition we've included articles that highlight the most preventable health conditions for men. Do we see any additional health issues for military personnel? Military service may result in particular injuries and health conditions, and we cover some of these in this issue.
In addition to physical and mental health, social wellbeing is an important issue for male health. Experiencing a major life event such as discharge from service, divorce/separation, ill-health, redundancy and the death of a partner, are all events which can increase a man’s sense of isolation. Making social connections, keeping in contact with friends, and engaging in enjoyable activities all help to improve health and wellbeing.
I’m sure there will be topics that we haven’t covered in this issue that our readers would consider the most important for them. We would like to know your thoughts, and if you have a man in your life that is reading/or should be reading this issue, let us know your thoughts as well.
On behalf of the magazine editorial committee, best wishes for making the most of 2014.
MHPE Magazine Editorial Committee Membership
Naomi Mulcahy DVA (Editor)
Dr Graeme Killer AO, DVA Principal Medical Adviser
Dr Warren Harrex, DVA Senior Medical Adviser
Dimitri Batras, DVA National Health Promotion Adviser
Mariusz Kalinowski DVA
Michael Correll VVCS
Chris Jones DVA (incoming member)
Dr Justin Harding DVA
The Committee would like to welcome Chris Jones who has joined the Committee for a two-year term.
Letter to the Editor
Dear Editor,
I refer to the November issue of the Men’s Health magazine, in which words like apps, geeks, nerd and e books, among other modern technological references are used.
As the Chairman/Secretary of the Aircrew Association, South Australia I am writing to advise you that a significant majority of our members would probably not know what you are talking about, which surely has the undesirable effect of alienating many of your readers. A little less than twenty percent of our members have computers with email addresses. Things may not be quite the same among the older generation as they may appear from a modern business office.
Yours faithfully,
Ed Jackson
Dear Mr Jackson,
In relation to the concern you raised regarding the magazine using certain technological references, we appreciate that within each issue, there will be articles that some readers won’t find relevant. It is important that DVA refers to online resources and mobile phone applications accurately. For this reason, the terminology ‘apps’ and ‘eBooks’ are used when referring to some of the new services, as these are the correct terms when referring to the new technology. However, we will certainly continue to include articles in the magazine that are designed to be of interest to our traditional readers.
Editor
Letters to the Editor
What we’re looking for. Letters should be no more than 100 words and relate to articles or topics discussed in the magazine or regarding men’s health generally. Please send your letters to The Editor menshealth@.au, or c/- Department of Veterans’ Affairs, Men’s Health Peer Education magazine, GPO Box 9998, Sydney NSW 2001.
MHPE Magazine and Reproduction of Content
Just a reminder to our readers, if you would like to include an article that’s appeared in an edition of the magazine in your own publication, please contact the Editor to confirm if there are any restrictions on the re-publication of the material.
Men’s Health Report Card
Australian men are more likely than Australian women to get sick from serious health problems. Compared to women, men visit the doctor less frequently, have shorter visits and only attend when their illness is in its later stages.
High-risk groups
Australia ranks high in life expectancy rates. Only three other countries – Iceland, Japan and Hong Kong – have higher life expectancy rates for men. However, Australian men don’t live as long as Australian women. On average, Australian men can expect to live 79 years, compared to women who can expect to live 84 years.
Certain male population groups in Australia have a lower life expectancy than 79 years, including:
Australian Aborigine and Torres Strait Islander men
Migrant men
Men who live in rural and remote areas of Australia
Socially disadvantaged men
Men with disabilities
Men who are in prison
Non-heterosexual men, including gay, bisexual and transgender males
Intersex people.
Top 10 causes of premature death in men
According to data collected by the Australian Bureau of Statistics in 2008, the leading causes of death for Australian men include, in order from first to last:
Ischaemic (coronary) heart disease
Trachea and lung cancer
Strokes
Chronic lower respiratory diseases
Prostate cancer
Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease
Colon and rectum cancer
Blood and lymph cancer, including leukaemia
Diabetes
Suicide.
Some deaths are more likely for men than women
Some causes of death are related to sex (or gender). For example, a man cannot die during childbirth, because only women have babies. Similarly, a woman cannot die from prostate cancer, because only men have a prostate gland.
However, according to 2008 data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, men outnumber women in many causes of non-sex-related deaths. For example:
Suicide – 78 per cent of deaths are male
Trachea and lung cancers – 63 per cent of deaths are male
Blood and lymph cancers (including leukaemia) – 57 per cent of deaths are male
Chronic lower respiratory diseases – 54 per cent of deaths are male
Colon and rectum cancers – 54 per cent of deaths are male
Ischaemic heart disease – 53 per cent of deaths are male.
A range of theories
It is clear that women are healthier than men, but why? Some of the theories that attempt to explain the health differences between the sexes include:
In Australia, more money is spent on the healthcare needs of women and children than is spent on the healthcare needs of men
Men are more likely than are women to work full-time. Office hours for most medical clinics coincide with typical work hours, so men in full-time employment find it difficult to make an appointment (of course, this is also true for women who work full-time.)
Men, particularly older men, typically prefer to see a male doctor for intimate or embarrassing issues. However, the family doctor may be female
Men are traditionally encouraged to do the high-risk jobs that are stressful, dangerous and deadly such as mining, logging and construction
Men are encouraged by our culture to be tough and independent. Some men continue to believe that visiting doctors or complaining of feeling ill are threats to their masculinity.
‘Macho’ men
Men in Western societies such as Australia are less inclined than women to take an active role in maintaining their health. They are also less likely to seek professional help for problems, particularly those of an emotional nature. Some of the social and cultural reasons for this include:
The Western definition of masculinity includes strength and silence. Men may feel that it is a sign of weakness or ‘femininity’ to seek help
Males, particularly teenagers, tend to act as if they are invulnerable. This can lead to destructive behaviours such as drug or alcohol binges, or reckless driving
Women are more likely to have regular contact with doctors because of reproductive issues such as menstrual periods, contraception and pregnancy. Men don’t have a similar reason that requires them to see a doctor regularly.
Socioeconomic status
The ‘macho’ theory proposes that men may start looking after themselves if they stopped behaving like tough guys. However, some researchers believe that blaming cultural constructs of masculinity is a way of passing the buck. Bad health may be the fault of the social environment in which the men live. Socially and economically disadvantaged men may have poorer diets, lower health literacy and not undertake enough physical activity to benefit their health.
The importance of employment
Many researchers have demonstrated the direct link between employment status and men’s health. Issues include:
A man’s self-esteem is closely linked to his role as breadwinner. Unlike women, men aren’t as strongly encouraged to find self-worth in the roles of parent and homemaker
Unemployment puts great financial and emotional strain on a family. The man, as breadwinner, may feel burdened with guilt and shame
Men without trades who go from one unskilled job to another are more likely to feel devastated by periods of unemployment
Men who feel in control of their lives are more likely to look after their health. Men who are unemployed often feel helpless.
Male depression
One in six Australian men is suffering from depression at any given time. Statistics include:
Teenagers and the elderly are particularly at risk
Male depression is associated with an increased risk of health disorders such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
Men are likely to resort to destructive behaviours in an attempt to deal with depression
Depressed men are twice as likely as depressed women to abuse alcohol and drugs. Men often try to manage their symptoms of depression by using alcohol and other drugs, which make the symptoms worse
Depression is a known high-risk factor for suicide. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, at all ages, men suicide at a higher rate than women.
Things to remember
Australian men are more likely to get sick from serious health problems than Australian women
Men die in greater numbers than women from almost every non-sex-specific health problem
Compared to women, men visit the doctor less frequently, have shorter visits, and only attend when their illness is in its later stages.
Where to get help
Your doctor
Men’s health clinic
Source: Better Health Channel betterhealth..au
© 2014 State Government of Victoria
The most commonly diagnosed cancer in men
Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia (other than non-melanoma skin cancers), more common than colorectal or breast cancers. There were 21,808 new cases of prostate cancer diagnosed in 2009. The rate of diagnosis has more than doubled in the last 30 years due to increased screening, and importantly, population ageing.
These statistics are explored in detail in Prostate cancer in Australia 2013, the first comprehensive national report on the topic, by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW).
Mortality (death) rates from prostate cancer have decreased a little over the last three decades. Despite being commonly diagnosed, it is not the most common cause of death in men, being well behind coronary heart diseases, lung cancer and cerebrovascular diseases (such as stroke).
There were 3,294 deaths from prostate cancer recorded in 2011, making this cancer one that men survive the most. Over 90% of men found to have prostate cancer are alive five years from diagnosis, better than melanoma, colorectal and most other common cancers. This survival is even more significant given the biggest risk factor for prostate cancer is ageing. 85% of cases are in men aged over 65. This cancer is one that you are more likely to die with, than from.
Given its rising incidence, it is heartening that the AIHW identified that health-care expenditure on prostate cancer increased at a corresponding rate.
The report also found some groups are more at risk: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men, for example, were less likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer, but just as likely to die from the disease, compared with non-indigenous males. Men living in inner regional areas were more likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer, while those living in remote areas were less likely to be diagnosed.
The AIHW data is drawn from sources such as cancer registries and hospital admissions, so these reports often tell you ‘how many’ but not ‘why’. That might be a discussion topic with your mates! Or your GP.
Your GP is the primary contact for professional discussion about prostate issues, but they face a dilemma when a patient asks about prostate screening. The role of the Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) test is still being debated, because it may result in over-diagnosis of some cancers leading to unnecessary surgery with unwanted side effects of impotence and incontinence while not reducing the number of deaths from prostate cancer. The much-maligned digital (finger) examination is better for determining benign prostate enlargement, rather than cancer.
With respect to prostate screening guidelines, the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners does not recommend routine screening, and suggests responding to requests by informing patients of the risks and benefits of screening. The Cancer Council/Health Ministers' Advisory Council recommend informed choice after discussion with your doctor, and no population screening. The Urological Society of Australia and New Zealand is in favour of testing for selected groups of men. It is currently reviewing its guideline in conjunction with the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia.
For further information, contact the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia. Ph: 1800 220 099 Website: .au
Tony Hoare, DVA Health Adviser
Here’s looking at me!
Having reached the Biblical three score years and ten, I am able to take a look around and give myself some advice. Look back to my youth- if one can remember that far- and in between, and yes, even look forward. What were, and are the MOST important items on the agenda at various stages of the trip, and how noble or foolish do they look through the retrospectoscope. What advice would I give to my younger selves, and what lessons were learned?
Skipping the first couple of decades, we find ourselves finishing a long stint at University, surviving a scary 'intern' year and then married. The next ten years were absorbed with the conventional issues for that era. Gaining career experience, postgraduate studies, buying a home (mortgage) and breeding. Cricket and athletics were replaced by house painting and lawn mowing. While still unsure about career choice, higher qualifications opened the door to a more flexible and enjoyable working life.
The boffins talk about 'Significant Life Events' – bereavement, divorce, sacking, new home, new job, new partner, new children, etcetera. The wins can be just as stressful as the losses. Too many SLEs too close together can break down even the toughest of us. By the early forties having encountered most of these at least once, our hero was so knackered that he asked a medical colleague to check whether he had suffered a silent (painless) heart attack: no, just knackered.
The next decade was partly a re-run of new partner, new family and new mortgages, plus serious attempts to break away from my primary career. A high cholesterol score provoked a lifetime love for low fat, low salt eating, steady to violent exercise and statins. There were other major positives: a fortunate choice of a new wife, the discovery of golf (on her insistence!!) and, when breakaway ventures hit snags, a mentor's wisdom that “ if things get difficult you can always practice medicine”. Fortunately the stethoscope had not rusted completely.
What does the older man see in all this?
The younger me frequently bragged he would retire young, but set up no system of saving to make this possible despite knowing about real estate and compound interest. So young fella, change wishful thinking into goals and targets, select a workable strategy and get cracking. I would also advise my younger self to make time for regular sport or at least a pastime involving physical exertion.
The middle-aged me thought that optimism and a dash of arrogance were a substitute for a business plan. Mate!! - think ahead, recognise the possibility of negatives and have contingency plans to deal with them- easy as. You also separated from a lifelong involvement in church attendance and particularly in church music. It might have been a good idea to explore other expressive or spiritual pursuits to replace those big chunks of your existence.
And what of the older existence ? The Good Book, after defining the 70-year lifespan, goes on: “.and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow...”. Well, in our blessed life in C21 Australia, we have substantially upgraded the biblical quota of years. Labour and sorrow are not necessarily the lot of seniors, but the point that wellbeing in later life requires thought and effort is still true.
This older man has no complaints. Life is not perfect but it is, as the actress said 'much better than the alternatives', and there is so much to be thankful for. We older people have learned about our potential for resilience and recovery, whether from back pains, the GFC or sliced drives. We are wiser than our younger selves about finding and following good advice.
What would my younger selves think of me now?
They would be surprised and disappointed that their elder does not put more effort into creative pursuits. They might understand that choices and priorities can change or evolve but would still ask “what is stopping you from having a go?” They would certainly be astounded at his late-life sporting career, which out-did even the clichéd “dream come true”. They would be deeply gratified that he has found a soul-mate, and relieved that he discovered budgets and investment goals just in time. The twenty-something would be very surprised he is no longer a churchman, but the forty-something rather more understanding. The mid-lifer questions why his elder is not “retired” into fishing and golf, but accepts that competing interests have intervened.
And what of the next stage? I am counselling myself to keep investing in fitness, and in productive mental activity. I may remain in health-related fields, but will keep listening to the urgings from 50, 30...5 years ago to try other things. I strongly advise myself to keep demonstrating by words and deeds that the people closest to me are my dearest possessions. And to remember that food for the soul is essential.
Dr Tony Ireland
DVA Medical Adviser
Osteoporosis? A Bloke Like Me?
The doctor’s word for ‘fragile bones’ is osteoporosis
Even though the sound of it is something quite atrocious
‘Supercalifragilisticexplialidocious’ from Mary Poppins
The day my doctor told me I had osteoporosis, he looked a happy man. “Male cases are my special interest,” he explained, “They are more common than we think, but I still get excited when I find one.” What could I say, but “Glad to oblige!”.
I found out by accident, as blokes assume that osteoporosis is for old ladies, so seldom get tested. In 2000, when I turned 50, my doctor sent me for a chest x-ray to check my ticker. That was okay, but the radiographer also noted that some vertebrae were slumped at the front. He called it ‘anterior wedging’.
I felt no symptoms, but you don’t with osteoporosis. I couldn’t argue with the x-ray so off I went for bone densitometry. We all lose bone density as we get older, but osteoporosis is diagnosed when we are a certain degree below what would be normal for our age. I was about three-quarters of the usual bone density. That was a shock. Imagine your mechanic telling you your car chassis had lost a quarter of its strength?
Looking round for some cotton wool to wrap myself in, I instantly decided to give up street fighting, and skiing out of control down the black runs. I imagined myself gradually degenerating into some sort of jelly fish.
The doc’s more sensible advice was to stay active. He explained that osteoporosis is a loss of calcium from the bones making them porous and weaker, and that the problem is the increased risk of fractures especially in older age, as the condition progresses. First you stop it getting worse, so he prescribed medication that first makes your bones attract calcium, and then sends lots of it in.
We talked about lifestyle. My diet was pretty good and I get exercise cycling to work. Osteoporosis can also be genetic, so though I knew of no history, I alerted my family to get tested – a couple turned out to have it too.
He gave me exercises for my back, and suggested weight-bearing exercise to strengthen my bones. I should do more, but I stay active and welcome lifting or physical work. I am probably fitter and stronger than before I was diagnosed, and still feel no back trouble, though I know that the x-ray changes are still there.
I also exercise to improve my balance so that I am less likely to fall, and to increase the flexibility and strength of my joints - our ‘shock absorbers’ if we do fall. There are also ways to fall more safely by spreading the impact, taught in activities like judo and acrobatics, that would be a good reflex for anyone to carry into older age.
So I take my medicine, eat well, exercise, and look for hard work, which is not a bad recipe for life!
What is osteoporosis?
2.2 million Australians have osteoporosis, a disease where bones become fragile and can break more easily.
In Australia, one in three men and one in two women over 60 years will have a fracture due to osteoporosis.
Many things increase the risk of osteoporosis such as getting older and lifestyle choices. Some medical conditions and medicines can also affect bone strength.
If you have osteoporosis, even a minor fall or bump can cause a serious fracture.
For further information:
Veterans’MATES Module 28: Osteoporosis update .au
Osteoporosis Australia .au/
Ph: 1800 242 141
Chris Clarke, DVA
After deployment
Understanding how the experience of combat may impact on serving members and their families after deployment and how ‘settling in’ can pose real challenges in family relationships, it’s also important to know where to seek help as early as possible if relationships or health issues are not really working out.
Relationship concerns are one of the most common reasons why current and former members of the Australian Defence Force seek help. It’s important that veterans and their partners take a proactive approach to ensuring the health of their relationship - the link between supportive relationships and a person’s mental health and wellbeing should not be underestimated.
By educating themselves on the early warning signs that one or both people in a partnership may not be coping, and seeking support, contemporary veterans and their families are taking a ‘hands on’ approach to addressing residual impacts from deployment.
It’s often those closest to a veteran who first notice a change in behaviour. Out of character behaviors such as emotional detachment, spending large amounts of time alone, sudden aggressive or angry outbursts, drinking more than usual or being excessively controlling may all be signs that its time to seek professional support.
The At Ease portal has a range of tips and tools to help family members identify the early signs of poor mental health and early action can help to prevent major mental health conditions developing.
There is no question that a supportive partner and/or family can assist in the recovery of a veteran with adjustment or mental health concerns following a deployment. However, people living with a veteran with these concerns also need to be aware of how such an environment can also affect their own emotional wellbeing and health.
It is not unusual for partners to feel unsupported as a veteran works though the emotional impacts of a deployment following return to country. Partners may feel that they are shouldering more than their fair share of family responsibilities during the adjustment period or as a veteran works to address mental health concerns.
Where can I get help?
Online - visit DVA’s mental health At Ease website at at-ease..au for access
to videos, self-help tools, mobile apps, and advice on how to seek professional help.
VVCS - call the Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service on 1800 011 046,
a free and confidential Australia-wide service available and may be contacted 24 hours a
day. To find out more about VVCS services visit .au
Your GP - talk to your GP, who may provide treatment or refer you to a psychologist, psychiatrist or social worker if needed.
The Most Common Reasons Contemporary Veterans seek assistance
Contemporary veterans most commonly seek assistance to deal with relationship and family difficulties. Other common reasons members who have deployed to contemporary conflicts seek support, is for help dealing with anxiety, depression, PTSD, anger and adjustment to civilian life following discharge.
A Chat with Penny
What issues are important to men? Well Penny surprised me somewhat when she said, putting on her psychology hat, I know quite a bit about this subject. On her frequent walks, early morning and late at night with usual tree stopovers in shopping malls and back streets, she learns just so many things. Penny says she has a regular stopover with her friends, Harry and Lily outside the medical clinic and she notices the patients waiting to be seen by the doctor are usually women and children but it’s a rarity to see a male patient. This says a lot about men’s health.
Now on the subject of men, particularly young men, they just want more of everything, sport, alcohol, food, fast cars, sex and despite their bravado and noise, many are quite insecure and so much of their behaviour is about dealing with their insecurity. Men as they get older for one reason or another look more for quality rather than quantity. In terms of health and looking after their health, young men think they are fireproof and until they grow older, health is not really on the agenda. Men want to be respected, to be successful and important. On their life journey, to get there, they need reassurance. What they really want from their partner is belief and support and from their peers and from their family, they want respect. Family is just so important and even more important as we get older. It’s often said men want more sex and it’s true but it’s not just about physical needs. There are probably more meaningful factors at play here including the need to be wanted, sense of confidence and the fundamental male ego.
Penny says making health important for men of all ages is a key priority. It is worth remembering the biggest difference between any two individuals is not their age, their gender, wealth or social status. It’s their health. Finally, Penny says when she has her regular stopover with her friends outside the medical clinic, she hopes to see more men are getting the health message.
DR GRAEME KILLER AO
PRINCIPAL MEDICAL ADVISER
Secret Women’s Business
This is a MHPE magazine, I know, but indulge me, just for a few moments and let me talk women’s health for a change, because if the fellas are honest with themselves, they may learn something about looking after their own health.
Mammogram operator, this has to be on the list of every man’s favourite fantasy job. I know it’s on my husband’s list, but somehow, I don’t think he is going to qualify as a radiographer at this late stage. So my suggestion to him is to accompany me to the doctor’s rooms, when I next am due for a breast check and he can learn how to correctly do one. I guess while we are there, I should also have a pap smear done. It’s almost time and how long since you had a prostate check dear? We may as well both get it over and done with. I don’t like it any more than you do, but it needs to be done, so no use putting it off. Then we can go home and practise the breast checking, before you forget how to do it.
Now ladies, how is your stress and anxiety level, because living with a veteran can be hard work. Want to know a good way to relieve that stress? The best way I know, is to accompany my veteran to the psychiatrist armed with my list of “his” misdemeanours over the last six weeks and get it all off my chest in one visit. Now I know some of you guys don’t really want your lady in the room with your psych (in case she tells the truth, I’ve heard. Of course I don’t have any faults!) but isn’t that better than copping it every day over the coming weeks. At least this way, it’s over and done with in one day. Then we can go and practise again!!!
Yoga, a great way to de-stress, treat anxiety and depression and classes are usually full of ladies in exercise gear. Maybe worth going with her fellas, the views could be okay. Or maybe you need to accompany her on the sunrise/sunset walk but you had better hold her hand, just to keep her safe. You never know who is prowling around these days and it could be a good chance to actually TALK & LISTEN to one another, without competing with the TV, and then you can go home and practise that technique again!
But of course all that exercise is making you aware of that little bit you have both put on, around the middle (and the top and bottom), so how about you start your own cooking competition, just between the two of you. Take it in turns to prepare each day’s main meal and see who can come up with the healthiest one, but don’t forget about those portion sizes, you don’t have to feed the neighbourhood. Just a hint here, don’t forget the 2 fruit & 5 veg principle, that will really impress her and earn you some brownie points.
Finally, has SHE moved into the spare room because of your snoring (or vice versa)? Maybe it’s time for you both to have that sleep study done, remember the one your doctor has mentioned before? It’s not hard work, could well save your life and your marriage and don’t forget to keep practising that technique!!!
Gents, look after your lady and she will be around a lot longer to look after you.
Kathy Behrendt, SA MHPE Volunteer Representative
Do you drink more than is good for you?
Many of us have turned up sober to a party that has been going for several hours and been fascinated to observe the behaviour of friends and colleagues after a few drinks. Most are happy, some morose, while others become aggressive. Antisocial behaviour increases. Some will be urinating publicly, or vomiting, or both. Surprisingly, some of these individuals may later claim they ‘had a great time last night’. We see similar behaviour in reality TV shows where police breath test vehicle drivers. It is apparent to the sober observer that those over the limit are impaired in their ability to assess and respond to the reality around them. It is the aggressive drunk who captures the headlines. Fighting is common, as are those unprovoked ‘king hits’ that have been a focus of the media over recent months. Sadly, domestic violence is also often associated with excessive alcohol consumption.
Australia has a culture of heavy drinking. This has generally been tolerated, and even at times encouraged. The exception over recent decades has been drink driving. Most adults are aware of the .05 limit, and the number of drinks needed to reach that level. But what is surprising to me is that drinking to get drunk appears now to have become normal behaviour for teens and young adults. This is such a contradiction. Many young adults are health and fitness conscious in other aspects of their life. They don’t smoke, exercise regularly, and are concerned about any exposure to hazardous substances.
Perhaps this is a failure of public education. Alcohol is traditionally used to overcome social anxiety and is an effective social lubricant. Doctors are certainly aware of the toxic consequences of the excessive and prolonged use of alcohol. These problems increase with both quantity and time, and can be summed up in terms of the five ‘l’s: liver (health), love (relationships), legal, livelihood (employment/income) and lifestyle (housing, safety and security, stability). Acute alcohol and drug problems constitute a large proportion of emergency department cases, while many chronic medical and relationship problems present in general practice.
Excessive alcohol consumption causes many health problems apart from cirrhosis of the liver. It is toxic to the brain, destroys memory and nerve cells, and is a common cause of indigestion, pancreatitis and diarrhoea. Alcohol contains many calories and is a major factor in obesity, high blood pressure and raised blood fats. Many people are not aware that alcohol feminises - it reduces testosterone levels and raises oestrogen levels - contributing to ‘man-boobs’, impotence and loss of body hair. Heavy drinking exacerbates mental health problems and is a common factor in domestic strife. It is estimated that half of all divorces are alcohol related. Doctors now receive better training in advising their patients on the services available to manage excessive alcohol consumption, rather than just continuing to treat the medical consequences.
It is unlikely that the culture of Australians towards excessive drinking will change quickly. Perhaps the simple message that remaining under .05 at all times when drinking alcohol is important to minimise the immediate and long-term harm - and not just when driving. If you do drink more than is good for you, this is a good place to start.
For further information go to
Dr Warren Harrex
DVA Senior Medical Advisor
The evolution of the mamil
It began as a simple creature, crawling from its nest one morning in response to a mate. Normally slow moving, it had to move faster now. In weeds it found its vehicle, old, overgrown, in need of care, but functional. Simply clad, it pursued its mate but tired quickly. But the mate’s drive was strong, and it was patient and encouraging. Exhausted, the creature returned to its cave, but tried again. And again. One day it caught its mate.
It was at that point I realised I had got a bit fitter, was enjoying the rides, and bought some padded shorts to limit the perineal pain. My mate gave me an old cycling top which was cooler in the breeze, and had handy pockets for snacks and phone. I realised, with dismay, that I had evolved into a mamil: a middle-aged man in lycra. These startling figures are clad for comfort and function, and, only in their own eyes, for looks.
Do you want to lose weight, eat better, develop strong core muscles as well as legs? Get on a bike. It can be old like mine, as long as the brakes work. Second hand from Ebay or .au, or borrowed. Don’t ride fast, or steep, or in traffic. Find back streets, or a bike track, and relearn your adolescent skills. Then ride long enough (and just fast enough) to get the lungs and heart working a little. Time on the bike is the key, combined with the right pace. Stand up on the pedals sometimes (like in le Tour), perhaps up a hill, to get your core abdominal, back and shoulder muscles working harder. Keeping a bike upright is great for your core, and an exercise bike doesn’t cut it.
Ride with a mate/s if you can. Riding is very social, and the incentive is greater. On road rides, groups are temporarily and naturally formed according to fitness levels. Ride to a good coffee place, chat to other riders, and push hard on the way back. Tired? That’s the idea. This can be the most fun you can have getting fit.
Evolution involves natural selection, and some won’t persist (so don’t rush out and buy a $10,000 Colnago). Others will occasionally have a social ride with the kids. Fantastic family time. Some will ride too fast down mountain tracks (I think that is for young people who heal well). And a few of us evolve into mamils, because once you like road riding and do it regularly, you will want decent (not expensive) gear. And like to frighten the neighbours.
As the creationists say, however, beware evolution. I dropped 10kg quickly, and being newly skinny and fitter, my power to weight ratio improved (muscly types look better in lycra but are less efficient on mountains). Four years ago I rode the Alpine Classic with mates, the only rider on Falls Creek with old toe straps and a carry rack. Next year I had the carbon bike (support your local bike shop) and more padding between it and me i.e. nicer lycra. Last year I added the 7 Peaks.
I’ll never beat the peloton home (most are decades younger than me), but being the tortoise means I get there, and pass those who go too hard. I have evolved into that most valuable rider, the domestique, who takes his turn at the front and helps those who are struggling. Often I am back in the bunch, or solo. Riding has a place for all. See you on the road.
Tony Hoare
DVA Health Adviser
Does my gut look big in this?
For 63% of Australian adults the answer is probably yes. This is the percentage who are overweight or obese and at risk of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease and some types of cancer. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare released The health of Australia’s males report in June 2011. They found that 2 in 3 Australian men are overweight or obese. Your waist measurement is a good indicator to determine if you’re overweight or obese. It is likely that 2 out of 3 men are carrying too much weight around their waist. One of the most important things you can do for your health is to lose the gut.
How do you measure up?
Grab a tape measure and::
Measure directly against your skin
Breathe out
Make sure the tape is snug, without squashing the skin
Measure half way between your lowest rib and the top of your hipbone – roughly in line with your belly button.
|Your waist measurement |Your future risk of disease |
| | |
|Under 94cm |You’re in good shape |
| | |
|94cm to 102cm |You have an increased risk |
| | |
|102cm to 110cm |Your risk is substantially increased |
| | |
|Over 110cm |You’re in the high danger zone |
How to lose the gut
We know that we need to exercise more, eat less processed food, choose smaller portions and limit our alcohol intake. The following information might be helpful in losing the gut and staying in the safe zone..
Frisbee-sized dinner plates
Dinner plates have increased in size. In the 1960′s a dinner plate size was 22.8 cms. By the late 1980′s, it was up to 25 cms, while today it can be 30 cms. That is an 80% increase in space on the plate! Larger plates have lead to larger meals (and larger dining tables!). Use a smaller plate when eating at home, or order an entrée when eating out.
Energy – E10 to High Octane – know your fuels
Energy is not a nutrient, rather it is released from food to fuel our body. The energy we get from food is measured in kilojoules (kJ) (formerly energy was measured in calories). The average adult consumes about 8700kJ a day. Fat, carbohydrate and protein provide energy and are found in foods which also supply vitamins and minerals. Alcohol also provides energy but is not essential to the body and generally does not provide any vitamins or minerals.
Energy requirements vary with age, gender, body size, metabolism and activity levels. The Energy Requirements Calculator estimates your daily energy requirements for good health based on what your body needs for breathing, circulating blood, digesting food and physical activity. This may change from day to day. Any energy intake above the estimated requirement is likely to result in weight gain (mostly fat).
If you are aiming to maintain your current weight, use your current (actual) body weight in the calculator. If you are aiming to lose weight, use your ideal body weight in the calculator. This will give you a lower estimated energy requirement and may help you to start losing weight.
Play with your food
The Shape Up Australia pictures of portion sizes provide a good guide to how much food you should be putting on your plate. Re-think your portion sizes. Instead of protein (often meat) taking pride of place on the plate, with vegetables or rice on the side, make veggies the main part of the meal with a side serving of lean meat, fish or legumes.
Take away 101
Many of the larger food chains are now required to show the number of kilojoules for each food item listed. Look at the items carefully, and often you’ll find that by making certain choices, you can reduce the number of kilojoules in the meal. Sometimes all you need to do is have the burger without sauce, or choose a different drink. A 600 ml bottle of soft drink (1200kJ) can include 16 teaspoons of sugar, while water won’t go to your waistline (0 kJ). Say no to the super size or up-sized meal. Also, if consuming protein shakes and bars, be mindful that you may be consuming more energy than necessary resulting in weight gain. And finally, remember the beer belly and consider limiting your alcohol intake or choosing a low kilojoule drink option instead.
Stay on track when eating out
What do you do when you’re in a restaurant and the menu doesn’t provide any information on healthy food choices? Shape Up Australia has produced a handy factsheet on food choices based on cuisine. For example with Indian food, cream-based curries are high in saturated fat. For a healthier alternative, try dishes that are tomato-based or baked in the tandoor oven and served without sauce. Or if you prefer Thai, remember that coconut milk-based dishes are high in saturated fat. Choose instead stir-fried dishes made with lime, basil, chilli and lemongrass (yum!).
.au
The health benefits timeline after quitting smoking
You will feel the benefits of quitting straight away as your body repairs itself. Depending on the number of cigarettes you smoke, typical benefits of stopping are:
After twelve hours almost all of the nicotine is out of your system.
After twenty-four hours the level of carbon monoxide in your blood has dropped dramatically. You now have more oxygen in your bloodstream.
After five days most nicotine by-products have gone.
Within days your sense of taste and smell improves.
Within a month your blood pressure returns to its normal level and your immune system begins to show signs of recovery.
Within two months your lungs will no longer be producing extra phlegm caused by smoking.
After twelve months your increased risk of dying from heart disease is half that of a continuing smoker.
Stopping smoking reduces the incidence and progression of lung disease including chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
After ten years of stopping your risk of lung cancer is less than half that of a continuing smoker and continues to decline (provided the disease is not already present).
After fifteen years of stopping your risk of heart attack and stroke is almost the same as that of a person who has never smoked.
Quitting smoking can be one of the most difficult, yet rewarding things a person can do. Most smokers say they would like to quit, and may have tried at least once. Some are successful the first time, but many other people try a number of times before they finally give up for good.
Lung cancer
Cigarette smoking is the major cause, although some people diagnosed with lung cancer have never smoked.
Symptoms:
Patients may present with specific symptoms related to the lung including:
shortness of breath
wheezing
chest pain
cough which can produce blood stained sputum.
or general symptoms which may include:
weight loss
lethargy
loss of appetite.
It’s 50 years since smoking cigarettes was linked to cancer.
In 1964, smoking rates sat around 70 per cent for men and 30 per cent for women. Since then, smoking rates among adults have more than halved, with current figures putting the smoking rate at 17.5 per cent.
There are obvious financial benefits from not smoking. Use the
QuitNow online savings calculator to determine how much you could save.
.au
Tinnitus and Hearing Loss
Tinnitus and sensori-neural hearing is common amongst military personnel due to exposure to high-intensity noise of various types. Military service and the ageing of our veteran population, means that veterans from a wide age group are suffering these conditions. Of our five senses, which is the most important for ensuring that we can continue to engage in a meaningful life? Sight and sound would rank highly for most of us.
We know that hearing loss is permanent and the importance of limiting any further damage. Hearing aid technology is improving and for some, tinnitus maskers and inhibitors provide relief from ringing in the ears. Our smart TVs provide us with text captions, and email and SMS provide other forms of communication for the hearing impaired.
For those of us with good hearing, it can be hard to understand what it must be like to lose your hearing and suffer from tinnitus. Also, what do they hear? Dr Karl’s Great Moment in Science story “Why do you ‘hear the ocean’ in a seashell?” provides an audio file which simulates a different type of hearing loss and/or the experience of tinnitus. To listen to the audio files go to:
Tinnitus is a physical condition, experienced as noises or ringing in the ears or head when no such external physical noise is present. Tinnitus is usually caused by a fault in the hearing system; it is a symptom, not a disease in itself.
Sensorineural hearing loss is caused by damage to, or malfunction of, the cochlea (sensory part) or the hearing nerve (neural part). It leads to a loss of loudness as well as a lack of clarity.
How good is your hearing?
Answer the following quiz about your own or someone else's hearing:
Do you have difficulty understanding people unless they are facing you?
Do you find it hard to understand conversations in a noisy room?
Do you fail to hear the doorbell or the telephone ring?
Do people complain that you turn the TV or radio up too loud?
Do you often ask people to speak up or repeat themselves?
Do you have difficulties understanding telephone conversations?
Do people complain that you do not hear them?
Do you sometimes have ringing or a buzzing in your ears?
If you answered 'yes' to any of the questions above, you may be exhibiting the signs of hearing loss. It is recommended that you have your hearing checked by an audiologist.
Hearing and tinnitus services for veterans
Hearing services consist of hearing assessments, management and hearing rehabilitation, including the fitting of hearing devices where needed. Eligible veterans with a gold or white card can access hearing services through the Australian Government Hearing Services Program run by the Office of Hearing Services. Talk to your GP and ask for a referral to an audiologist for a hearing assessment.
Tinnitus treatment for eligible veterans is available through the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, and you should discuss your condition with your GP or ENT specialist. Various options are available and are considered on a clinical needs basis.
For further information obtain a copy of DVA Factsheet HSV22: Hearing Services – information for the veteran community. .au Ph: 133 254 or 1800 55 254.
When you’re feeling blue
In general, men tend to put off getting any kind of help because they think they are supposed to be tough, self-reliant, able to manage pain and take charge of situations. This can make it hard for men to acknowledge they have any health problems, let alone a mental health problem.
Depression is a serious and common condition which may not get better by itself. If you had a broken arm or a deep cut on your foot, you wouldn't expect that to heal without medical help. It's the same with depression.
But what is depression? How is it different to just being sad for a bit? Men are more likely to recognise and describe the physical symptoms of depression (such as feeling tired or losing weight) than women. Men may acknowledge feeling irritable or angry, rather than saying they feel low. Everyone feels down occasionally but if you've been sad, moody, angry or unable to sleep or concentrate for more than a couple of weeks, it could be depression. You might also lose interest in work, sport, sex, going out, or other things you used to enjoy.
It's not easy to say exactly what causes depression and anxiety – it's different for everyone. Sometimes a difficult time in you or your mates' life can set off depression or anxiety. Sometimes it's caused by a combination of things that has built up over time. And sometimes, there's no obvious cause at all. There are different types of depression and it's not easy to say exactly what causes it because it's different for each person.
Getting help
Depression and anxiety are like any other medical condition – you need ways to get through them and stop them happening again later on. Some people think that it's weak to admit that they're going through a tough time. But if you have depression or anxiety, you can't just snap out of it or pull yourself together. There's more to it than that.
Start by talking to someone you trust.
Keeping it to yourself only makes things worse. Discuss your situation with a mate, partner, family member or a colleague. Your doctor is also a good source of information and can assess whether what you are feeling is depression or anxiety, and then work out an action plan with you if it is.
Your action plan can cover a wide range of options. This plan can include exercise, stress management, how to improve your sleep and maybe working with a psychologist who can help you to address things like negative thinking and how to deal with hassles in your relationships. For some people, medication might also be necessary, but only if the depression or anxiety is severe or hasn't improved with other treatments
Things you can do to help yourself recover
Stay active and make plans for the day. They don't have to be grand plans, just small things like going for a run, talking to a mate or doing some gardening. At first, you may not enjoy them as much as you did before, but if you keep active and persist, the pleasure should eventually return.
It's also important to look after your body by staying physically active, eating healthily and getting plenty of sleep. Try not to drink or take drugs to block out how you're feeling and what is happening. That’s not a positive solution and only makes the depression or anxiety worse.
.au
beyondblue Support Service number 1300 22 4636
Reproduced with permission
© 2014 beyondblue
For further information go to
Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service provides counselling and group programs – such as Beating the Blues (Depression) and Mastering Anxiety - to Australian veterans, peacekeepers and their families. It is a specialised, free and confidential Australia-wide service. To access VVCS services, contact VVCS on 1800 011 046. For further information: .au
“one of the most powerful tools we have in helping men”: Men’s Sheds
From the Lane Cove Community Shed in 1996, to over 1000 sheds in all states, and spreading internationally, the Men’s Shed ‘movement’ is a great Australian invention. Men’s Sheds align well with National Male Health Policy, but other than a few old blokes pottering over a lathe and giving their wives some respite, do they make any difference to men’s health and well-being?
Men’s Sheds in Australia: Effects on physical health and mental well-being is a report of surveys of over 1400 shed users and 1200 comparable male non-users (‘control’ group), as well as interviews and focus groups, that provides the best evidence yet of shed impact.
Who goes to sheds? Four-fifths are men aged between 60 and 79, and more than half live in regional Australia (so metropolitan males are proportionally under-represented). Men from lower socio-economic groups are also more likely to attend a men’s shed. As well as joining to learn and pass on skills, they often join because of retirement, divorce, widowhood or relocation, for companionship and to give back to the community. These are the very men targeted by a raft of men’s health initiatives.
The men interviewed describe benefits such as health checks and talks, and access to health information. In addition, they “look out” for one another and value and endorse peer advice by attendees.
The benefits reported were not merely subjective. Using well-regarded health measures, the report describes Shed members scoring significantly higher physical functioning, physical roles, general health, vitality, mental health and mental well-being than non-Shed members. Shed members were found to be significantly more likely to seek help if they were experiencing depression or anxiety.
The differences between the Shed and non-shed groups were in most cases relatively small, but significant. They were derived by comparing Shed-goers with the “less socially active” half of the ‘control’ group. A criticism of the study is that in leaving out the more ‘social’ participants, the authors were not making a sound comparison with the Shed members, who by definition of attendance, are arguably a somewhat social bunch.
This criticism of the statistical methodology aside, the message of the report is broadly sound. Men’s sheds were a positive experience overall for members, and their ongoing commitment paid off: Mental well-being increased the longer the men had been members of a Shed, and they describe social as well as practical skill development over time.
Men interviewed also described the autonomy, male-focus and acceptance of the Shed environment as important in their success. As such the Men’s Shed presents an ideal environment to reach some men in the community with important health messages.
The Men’s Shed movement even reaches out to those who can’t attend in person through The Shed Online. If you haven’t explored this excellent website, it is worth the effort (or revisiting to see new initiatives). The Shed Online provides the opportunity to chat with other blokes about a variety of topics, has relevant news, health and general interest stories, and a wealth of other material, from handyman videos, gardening ideas, brain games and barbecuing to writing poetry.
Most existing sheds, and all new sheds with recent Beyondblue funding, also provide online access (and often training) to men who may be reluctant or lack confidence or resources to use the internet at home.
Suggest a mate visit a (real or virtual) Men’s Shed soon. It might be the most fun he has had for a while.
REPORT web link
The Shed Online .au
Australian Men’s Shed Association
Tony Hoare,
DVA Health Adviser
Getting ‘The Most’ out of Veterans’ Health Week
Veterans’ Health Week is an ongoing DVA health and wellbeing program that culminates into one week of fun and engaging activities and events in October each year. In 2014 Veterans’ Health Week will be held during the week of 13-19 October and the planning is well and truly underway.
Many ESO and community groups have an established suite of core activities that they run week in week out which they showcase to the wider community each year during Veterans’ Health Week.
Veterans’ Health Week is a terrific opportunity to trial or launch initiatives that promote Physical Activity, Healthy Eating, Social Inclusion and Mental Wellness. Recruiting new members, learning through feedback and celebrating health and wellbeing achievements are all part of getting the most out of the Week.
Veterans’ Health Week is quickly becoming an important Week in Veteran community calendars around Australia thanks to the efforts of MHPE Volunteers, DVA staff and ESO and general community members. In 2013 nearly 13,000 people participated in Veterans’ Health Week and all are welcome to attend with their friends and family in 2014.
If you’re thinking of getting involved in organising health and wellbeing activities in 2014, that is great. Here are my tips for getting the most out VHW for your community:
Think of Veterans’ Health Week as a vehicle for introducing healthier ways of doing things at your club for yourself and your friends.
Talk to DVA staff about support that you might require to get started and ways to approach local partnership opportunities.
Involve other people/ groups around you in the planning, implementation and evaluation of your initiatives.
Take an ‘ongoing’ approach to Veterans’ Health Week by working on it all year long.
Start doing the activities that you plan to do during Veterans’ Health Week as soon as you’re ready.
Remember that Veterans’ Health Week is not an end point; it is an important stage in your ongoing efforts to improve health behaviours and support healthy places.
We’ll let everyone know more details on timing and the theme, and feel free to continue to plan for and implement the activities and events that have been proven to succeed in your community. Keep a watch on our web site at .au/vhw.htm or to discuss anything Veterans’ Health Week related, contact DVA on 133 254 or 1800 555 254 for regional callers or email vhw@.au.
Dimitri Batras, DVA National Health Promotion Adviser
Friends For Life
The letter was in my late mother’s papers, a thank you from a boarding school friend I had insisted come with us on a day out. He was my soul-mate from seven to ten. We shared a mind, and a sense of humour. Too young to know what a comedy duo was, we entertained the school as ‘HorriBull And TerriBull’. He was African. I have been trying to find him again, fifty five years later.
While we make choices in life, what colours our experience is the accident of our companions. Whether we click with a group or individuals makes all the difference between a brotherhood, and being alone in a crowd. At two good schools, I was isolated in one, and part of a whole fabric of friendships in another.
Boys have deep friendships, especially later in mid to late teens, when they talk about everything, forming their ideas about the world. The son of a friend brought another boy home from school, saying he would now live with them as he could no longer stay at home. He did, and I saw him last year as best man at the son’s wedding.
Mateship can be more shallow, an unspoken agreement to have a good time, but not intrude into any deep or personal reality. Boys or men can spend days together on a boat or a sports-field, but really share little more than easy company, their store of jokes, and taste in beer and diversions.
Other forms of mateship are between men who may not have chosen each other’s company, but go closely together through life-threatening experiences, especially in military service. These can amount to relationships closer even than marriage.
During the Canberra bushfires in 2003 on my roof alone facing a horizon of advancing flame, I idly speculated on whom I would prefer to have beside me. The surprise answer was a shortlist of people I disliked - difficult, prickly or challenging individuals, but bloody-minded enough to be damned if they would take a backward step. I wouldn’t need to look around to know they were still there, when my friends might have more sense!
So we need all the kinds of people around us. At work I advise people not to overlook as referees supervisors they thought didn’t like them. People are generally more generous and balanced in their estimates of us than we give them credit for. We are also likely to hear home truths from those who are not protecting a friendship.
Marriage and similar relationships have become more exclusive, as families have become more isolated, expected to be self-sufficient. In earlier supposedly less enlightened times, a couple were expected to maintain separate wide and close circles of friends.
So we need our friends ‘for life’, but also a range of those less close who will back us without favour, pull us up, or challenge us, as we may for them.
Chris Clarke, DVA
Keeping your mind active
Challenging your brain with puzzles and games can keep your brain active and improve its physiological functioning. We’ve included some of the ‘most’ challenging puzzles to give your brain a good work-out.
Maths Challenge
Try to fill in the missing numbers.
Use the numbers 1 through 9 to complete the equations.
Each number is only used once.
Each row is a maths equation. Work from left to right.
Each column is a maths equation. Work from top to bottom.
|[pic] |
What Word
Can you guess what ONE word is being described from the clues?
Example:
Clue: Display the animal fur
“Literal” answer: Show fur
End answer: Chauffer
|1. On opposite, yard enclosure __________________________ |
| |
|2. Small boulder, 5th letter __________________________ |
| |
|3. Trailer the 5th letter, lumber __________________________ |
| |
|4. Automobile flu __________________________ |
| |
|5. Foot cousin, sphere __________________________ |
| |
|6. Inexpensive writing tool __________________________ |
| |
|7. Waiter's duty, picnic pest __________________________ |
| |
|8. Lacking the 12th letter __________________________ |
| |
|9. Sketch the small rope __________________________ |
| |
|10. Cardiac burn __________________________ |
| |
Commonym
A commonym is a group of words that have a common trait in the three words/items listed. For example the items: car, tree, elephant – they all have trunks.
|1. The Brain - The Lung - The Ear ____________________ |
| |
|2. Spider - Fiddler - Hermit ____________________ |
| |
|3. Back - Butterfly - Side |
|____________________ |
| |
|4. A Car - A Tree - An Elephant ____________________ |
| |
|5. A Bear - A Hammer - A Lobster ____________________ |
| |
|6. Finish - Fishing - Dotted ____________________ |
| |
|7. Metal - Radar - Lie |
|____________________ |
| |
|8. Stop - Spot - Strobe |
|____________________ |
| |
|9. Trap - French - Glass |
|____________________ |
| |
|10. State - Sales - Income ____________________ |
Source:
Answers on page 31
Health Technology
MyFitnessPal (free)
My research has revealed that MyFitnessPal is ‘the most downloaded’ health and fitness app, with over 40 million (yes, you read correctly – 40 million!) users. This is hardly surprising, given the multitude of features in this app. You can set your intended weight loss goal, and then track your progress on a daily basis by recording the nutritional aspects of your meals. There’s an in-built food database with the calorie content of over three million foods, plus you can scan the bar code of purchases to determine the healthiest options. The app also contains over 350 exercises, and you can track all your progress through reports. For those who want to boast about their successes (and who doesn’t!) you can also connect with friends though MyFitnessPal.
Azumio (free – iPhone only)
With over 25 millions users, Azumio rates as one of the most popular health apps. Its purpose is quite simple – it measures your heart rate instantly and therefore allows you to measure your stress level. You only need to place your finger over the iPhone’s camera to detect your pulse from the fingertip. A chart will show your every heartbeat, and you can also track your heart rate over a period of time. For those who are serious about exercising, it can be used to monitor their heart rate before, during and after any workouts.
Endomondo (free)
Another in the top ten of the most downloaded health and fitness apps (16 million users and counting), Endomondo is a multi-purpose app that lets you track any type of outdoor sport or activity, including distance, speed, duration and calories burnt. If you need that extra ‘motivation’, you can set it to get audio feedback every kilometre of your activity (alternatively, you can even send audio messages to your friends in real time to motivate or comment on their progress). You can also compare previous routes used with activities, and while running walking and distance-based activities are its focus, you can even manually enter a specific workout (such as a treadmill run).
National Health Services Directory (NSHD) (free)
Okay, this is not in the most downloaded category, but it should be. For those who are travelling around Australia, or if you just need to locate health and medical services in your location, the NSHD app is invaluable. You can search for the contact details and location of a General Practitioner (GP), hospital, pharmacy and emergency departments in all States and Territories. The app allows you to see the location on your maps, and provides opening hours as well. This should be an essential download to your smart device!
Medicine List+ (free)
Another handy app that should appear in any ‘most downloaded’ list. An initiative of the National Prescribing Service (NPS) MedicineWise program (which is funded by the Australian Government), this app will allow the user to keep track of their medicines, record all prescriptions, add medicines by scanning their barcode, track medicine use and set reminders (for prescription refills or doctor’s appointments). It’s another handy app that should be used as part of an overall treatment strategy to ensure your medicine use is tracked and monitored.
John Hall, DVA
National Men’s Health Gathering 2013
The National Men’s Health Gathering has been held biennially since 2009 under the auspices of the Australian Men’s Health Forum. The Gathering consists of three related men’s health conferences: The National Men’s Health Conference, the Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Male Health Convention and the Men & Vulnerable Families Forum. The theme of the 2013 Gathering was ‘Blazing a Trail: healthier men and communities’.
MHPE was one of the exhibitors at the Gathering and we received a lot of interest from the delegates. MHPE QLD volunteers Alan Ross, Ian Dainer, Bruce Reedman, Phil Lilliebridge, Bill Whitestyles and Peter Harvey, assisted DVA staff Nikki Wood and Ayla Padilla and DVA adviser Rosemary Beard, to distribute health information, including the MHPE magazine, and to promote the MHPE program.
The National Men’s Health Conference
Kathy Behrendt, the MHPE SA Volunteer Representative, was one of the five MHPE Volunteer Representatives who attended the National Men’s Health Conference. Her report on behalf of the “fabulous five” is below.
The National Men’s Health Conference was held in Brisbane from 23-25 October. The MHPE Volunteer Representatives in attendance were: Laurie Harrison (TAS), Gary Treeve (VIC), Malcolm (Tiny) Small (WA), Darryel Binns (NT) and myself from SA.
From the first opening statements, the five of us were hooked and we knew that this was going to be a great experience. We had many great discussions between us and shared many laughs and a few meals.
The first three keynote speakers set the tone of the event, by sharing their own life stories, including their battles with depression, separation, divorce and distance from their children during the critical life stages. The speakers were: Mr Richard Alston, NZ chief executive of Big Buddy, a mentoring program for fatherless boys; Prof. Alan White, UK – the world’s first professor of Men’s Health and Tass Mousaferiadis, Men’s Program Leader at beyondblue. All three were extremely interesting and had us enthralled.
Many of the sessions ran on the same theme of depression and anxiety, much of which we had heard before, but many things were reinforced which was great. One speaker, who had worked in the field for many years, related his own battle with the illness and how he hadn’t recognised the condition in himself, until it was almost too late and he was curled up in a foetal position for many weeks. There were some discussions on Men’s Sheds and various other men’s organisations. What was also great, was that it wasn’t all just sitting and listening, much of it relied on our input.
As volunteers, we received much praise and overall our MHPE program received rave reviews from many of the professional speakers, rating it one of the best programs going. Overall, we five thoroughly enjoyed the experience and on behalf of the others, I thank DVA for allowing us to experience the fabulous event.
Our thanks also to QLD DVA staff and volunteers for their friendship and assistance. It was lovely meeting you and putting faces to names, and to all the other volunteer organisations for their free info and give-aways.
Australian Men’s Sheds Association 5th National Conference
The Australian Men’s Sheds Association (AMSA) 5th National Conference was held at Ballarat Victoria, from 27-29 October 2013. The aim was to promote the spread of Men’s Sheds throughout the nation and showcase the Australian Men’s Shed movement across the world. The Conference focused on sharing knowledge and providing practical support through the Conference theme; Men's Sheds: A Sustainable Future - highlighting the success that men's sheds have achieved and to their future growth and development.
MHPE was one of the exhibitors and we received a lot of interest from the delegates. MHPE VIC volunteers, Ken Bryce and Howard Gibbon, assisted DVA staff Helen Marcote and Kirsten Flynn, to distribute health information, including the MHPE magazine, and to promote the MHPE program. All the information was well received, as many sheds across the nation have veteran members. The delegates were very enthusiastic in taking the MHPE materials back to their sheds and promoting the program. We even had some shedders interested in becoming MHPE volunteers!
Vet-Treks Australia: A Mobile Shed
Kevin Moss, the MHPE South Queensland Volunteer Representative, presented at the Conference on Vet-Treks Australia: A Mobile Shed. His Conference report is below.
The Conference was attended by Mark Hills (North NSW Volunteer Representative) and myself. The Conference focus was on sharing knowledge and providing practical support through networking. There were over 350 delegates in attendance as well as educators, policy makers and aged care professionals. The program provided a range of keynote speakers such as former Victorian Premier Jeff Kennett, author and former Rugby international Peter Fitzsimons, National CWA President Noela Macleod and clinical psychologist and author Bettina Arndt.
The variety of concurrent session workshops were well attended and well prepared by presenters who ‘put in the effort’ to make them interesting. Of particular note was a presentation by AMSA Patron Professor John Macdonald who made a point for Sheds to ‘be aware’. He identified a growing tendency in recent years for health services to use Sheds as a day care facility by dropping off men who they should be looking after. Other than that it was all about positive outcomes, achievements and future growth for the now 1000 Sheds in Australia.
I was very pleased with the attendance at my own presentation “Vet-Treks Australia: A Mobile Shed”. I spoke about my advocacy outreach support initiative accessing rural and remote veterans since 1999, and how over the past two years I have toured western Queensland in my camper van (mobile Shed) giving talks on men’s health. My ‘tour hosts’ choose their preferred topic for me to present on which to date has been on the issue of mental health from the perspective of a war veteran; relating to my 43 year journey of self help to learn coping skills through diet, exercise and the power of positive thinking. In my talk I emphasise the principles involved which can apply to any in attendance who may have had a life changing traumatic experience.
From Mark and myself, our thanks to the DVA for arranging our attendance as well as the Victorian MHPE volunteers and staff who were also in attendance and made us feel so welcome. Fond memories and a great learning experience.
Spiders’ webs and bookworms: mostly military
The Crossroad / Mark Donaldson
In 2009, Mark Donaldson was the first Australian to receive the Victoria Cross since Keith Payne's medal in 1969. Mark showed extraordinary courage when he rescued an Afghan interpreter under heavy fire during a bloody ambush in Afghanistan. Mark's journey to that crucial decision in Afghanistan, where he chose to risk his own life to save another's, is almost as extraordinary as the act itself. He was a rebellious child and teenager, even before the death of his father - a Vietnam veteran - when Mark was in his mid-teens. A few years later, Mark's mother was murdered.
Mark so easily could have followed a different path but instead he chose the army. He found himself to be a natural soldier, progressing to the peak of the Australian military: the SAS. From teenage rebellion to the stark realities of combat in the mountains and valleys of Afghanistan, Mark's book is the frank and compelling story of a man turning his destiny around by sheer determination and strength of mind.
Available ABC Shop - $39.99
For valour: Australia's Victoria Cross heroes / Nicholas Brasch
Extraordinary courage and unbelievable nerve, that is what it takes to be awarded a Victoria Cross (VC). The VC is only ever awarded in times of war to those who risk their lives in the most heroic manner. More than one and a half million Australians have fought in a war, yet only ninety-eight have been awarded the Victoria Cross, the Commonwealth's highest military honour for bravery. Here are some of their remarkable stories. ISBN 9781742032313
Available HarperCollins - $17.95
Too bold to die : the making of Australian war heroes / Ian McPhedran
From Gallipoli to Afghanistan, many Australians have been awarded military honours for acts of selfless courage. Others have missed out. Author Ian McPhedran uncovers new stories of extreme bravery in action from WWII to today, and offers insight into how most of our military heroes remain unknown. Some of these stories, including Medals for Gallantry awarded in the face of the enemy in East Timor and Afghanistan, are quite extraordinary. This book also explores why some become national heroes and others are overlooked. ISBN 9780732290238
Available HarperCollins - $29.99
Wheels down : adjusting to life after deployment by Bret Moore and Carrie H. Kennedy
This book examines some of the most common challenges veterans are likely to experience after a deployment. Wheels down is an excellent resource filled with practical guidance on how to reconcile sleep difficulties and cope with troubling dreams or nightmares that interrupt sleep; how to manage emotions to facilitate the transition back from a deployment; and how to re-establish connections with children and cope with the aftermath of a divorce if necessary. It also examines how deployment to a combat zone may affect individual service personnel. ISBN 9781433808722
Available Angus & Robertson - $28.99
Jo Wagner,
DVA Library Services
Volunteer Reps’ Corner – Introducing Alan White, the VIC Metro Volunteer Representative.
I joined the RAAF at 17 and trained as an ADG (Airfield Defence Guard), serving for 12 months in Vietnam. Following a medical discharge, I spent 12 years in the Australian Public Service, mostly in Albury-Wodonga.
While living there I became involved with the Murray Border Vietnam Vets, which began a long involvement with veterans’ health and wellbeing. After studying massage and natural therapies, I left the public service and worked in various clinics.
Returning to Melbourne in 1998, I continued my studies in Counselling. In early 2000, I was diagnosed with prostate cancer, but was able to manage it using conservative treatment. In 2001, I was selected to participate in the initial Victorian Peer Educator training and have been involved ever since.
Keeping fit, healthy and active is a priority for me; with walking, bike riding, and swimming. I’m lucky to live fifteen minutes from the beach, so a dip in the bay is a great start to the day.
Leading by example is a good way to demonstrate health and wellness when talking to groups. This also means having balance in my life; getting out and socialising, meeting friends for coffee, movies and allowing myself to have time out. Relaxing can be difficult, but I’m working on it!
I’ve been a Committee member with the RAAF Vietnam Veterans’ Association for a long while and, more recently, I joined the Board of the RAAF Association (Vic.).
After ten years of active surveillance, I had a prostate biopsy in January 2011, which showed that the cancer had returned. I had surgery in February 2011 to remove my prostate; luckily the cancer was contained within the gland and no further treatment was required.
This experience led me to write a book about my journey, dealing with erectile dysfunction (injecting myself to get an erection), incontinence, and the emotional impact on myself and my marriage.
Volunteer Reps’ Corner – Introducing David Francis, the NSW & ACT Volunteer Representative.
G’day to all who are reading my introduction my name, David Francis. Well, I joined the Army in May 1975 after trying my luck on civvy street (Adelaide). I was well qualified at age 25 yrs, but wanted more excitement. After enlisting, I was Posted to 16 Fd Sqn RAE Townsville. I rose thru the ranks after many postings to WO1 Soldier Employment Policy AO Canberra ACT. From there I was posted to 6 Engineer Group Melbourne and after a high rank jury decision they appointed me PSO CAPT. I was then, would you believe, an Engineer, posted as Adjutant 1 RTB Kapooka, 1989/90. I loved it and after 2 yrs was shuffled around from ‘B’ Coy 2 IC to Acting OC Admin Coy Kapooka.
I discharged in Jan 1999 after being head hunted out of the Army by a company that will remain nameless – to save the innocent! And spent 12 Months 24/7 on a 6 figure salary that sounded great in the beginning – but!!! I started to hit the bottle pretty heavy. I quit after 12 months and lost my Wife (she left me) and nearly my children in the process, to my anger /mood swings and drunkenness. I travelled around Australia till I reached my current location in late 2010. I was so alone and depressed I tried to commit suicide on Anzac day eve 2011. Being unsuccessful, thankfully, I found myself, after sobering up, in the St John of God Hospital, Richmond for a spell.
I discovered MHPE through a beautiful Lady, (I would be in trouble if I disclosed her name) at the DVA office here in Coffs Harbour. I have been with MHPE for 2 years, during that time I discovered “I was not alone” in my mind games (you know those screeching monkeys between your ears), so I have also completed the Welfare and Pensions Officer Course GDE 1 which helps a great deal in my knowledge bank. I love the one on one and group discussions I have been involved in with other MHPE Volunteers at various fairs, markets and RSL events. I have recently been appointed State Rep NSW/ACT MHPE Volunteers and very happy and excited to be a part of the future health and well- being of all Veterans and their Families.
National round-up
Canberra Monaro MHPE
The Canberra Monaro MHPE team were involved with several expos towards the end of 2013. They manned booths at the following expos:
The Defence Transition Seminar held on 17 October 2013 at the Australian Institute of Sport.
Defence Materials Organisation Health Expo staged by the Electronic Systems Division held on 22 October 2013 at the Defence Russell Offices ACT
Military Communications and Information Systems Conference held on 12-14 November 2013 at the Convention Centre Canberra.
There was a great deal of networking and cross pollination with other exhibitors such as RSL, Legacy, Navy and Defence Health, VVCS, Defence Force Welfare Association, Heart Foundation, Diabetes Australia and Arthritis Australia. Some delegates conversed for several minutes and were pleased to receive the MHPE information. Attending the expos/conferences provided good experience in how to successfully engage delegates in men’s health issues.
Queensland MHPE
Queensland MHPE volunteers were noted to lead the State's ESOs in their support of Veterans Health Week in 2013, but also undertook several other significant activities of note, for instance:
John Robinson - Kilcoy - ran a very successful inaugural Men’s Health Expo & Diabetes Awareness Day to mark International Men’s Health Week in June. This was a first in a small regional area, and John gained support from Medicare Local funds to produce an excellent result. Pitstop was a highlight of the day, and as a new volunteer, John has really hit the ground running.
Ken McKenzie - Logan - made inroads with several local veterans groups who had never had exposure to MHPE before, and introduced monthly health talk/BBQ days to local RSL and Tri-Service groups, as well as installing an ongoing static display in the local gym where many Heart Health "graduates" still attend regularly.
Kevin Moss - Boonah/Sth Qld rep - packed his "Vet-Treks" mobile Mens Shed and headed west to provide health talks around various Mens Sheds in rural and somewhat isolated areas of south-western Queensland, including Warwick, Stanthorpe, Texas, St George, Roma, Mitchell, Charleville, Chinchilla and Dalby.
Darling Downs - manned a stall at Leyburn Sprints, and found that their MHPE stand is gaining in popularity and the volunteers were kept gainfully occupied for the entire weekend by many of the 15,000 attending the event, as their stand gained "poll position" at the finishing line of the sprints. This is a very popular event with veterans, as it coincides with Vietnam Veterans' Day week, and a service is always held, which our MHPE volunteers attend and lay a wreath.
Gladstone - a couple of new volunteers ran a health expo which included the first Pitstop in the area, at the local Men’s Shed in Gladstone. Approximately 50 local men got into the spirit of the day and got their engines checked.
MHPE volunteers – What do they do?
MHPE volunteers share health information. For example, giving a talk on a health issue at a local community group or ex-service organisation meeting; setting up or working with ‘Men’s Sheds’, running a stand at a community expo; or by having a one-on-one chat.
To talk to a volunteer, please contact the relevant MHPE State/Territory Volunteer Representative below:
|Name |State/Territory |Phone number |Email address |
|Sean O’Mara OAM |North Queensland |07 4952 4960 or 0427 524 |sean.betty@ |
| | |960 | |
|Ian Dainer |South Queensland |07 5467 3393 or |kangoona@ |
| | |0438 729 040 | |
|Alan White |Metro Victoria |03 5336 2885 or |askypilot@ |
| | |0407 617 800 | |
|Gary Treeve |Regional Victoria |02 6059 2765 or 0407480 |mtreeve1@ |
| | |201 | |
|Darryel Binns |Northern Territory |0417 170 171 |twods47@ |
|Kathleen Behrendt |South Australia |08 8837 7287 or 0428 377 |kbehrendt63@ |
| | |287 | |
|Laurie Harrison |Tasmania |03 6263 7038 or 0428 626 |trout.2@ |
| | |370 | |
|David Francis |New South Wales & ACT |02 6658 3194 or |davidfrancis61@ |
| | |0428 000 674 | |
|Stewart Harding |New South Wales & ACT |02 4443 8919 or 0422 208 |stewharding@.au |
| | |902 | |
|Malcolm ‘Tiny’ Small |Western Australia |08 9337 6773 or 0408 935 |tinys@.au |
| | |687 | |
The Men’s Health Peer Education (MHPE) program aims to raise the veteran community’s awareness of men’s health issues and encourages men to manage their own health and wellbeing. The program trains volunteers from all age groups to provide health information to members of the veteran community.
MHPE volunteers share this information via many channels, for example, giving a talk on a health issue at a local community group, holding a stand at a community expo or speaking person-to-person with a veteran, such as a friend at a barbeque. The MHPE program is open to any member, male or female, of the veteran, ex-service, or general community, who is able to volunteer their time and has a genuine interest in helping veterans to learn about healthy lifestyle choices.
For information about the MHPE program, visit our website .au/mhpe.htm or contact the relevant DVA MHPE Coordinator below:
|Name |Location |Phone number |Email address |
|Nikki Wood |Queensland |(07) 5630 0203 |MHPEQLD@.au |
|Jumae Atkinson |Western Australia |(08) 9366 8355 |MHPEWA@.au |
|Kerry Jay |Victoria |(03) 9284 6199 |MHPEVIC@.au |
|Janice Trezise |Northern Territory |(08) 8935 1405 |MHPENT@.au |
|Margie Gutteridge |South Australia |(08) 8290 0375 |MHPESA@.au |
|David Stevens |Tasmania |(03) 6221 6711 |MHPETAS@.au |
|Naomi Blundell |NSW & ACT |(02) 9213 7661 |MHPENSW@.au |
Will you recognise your heart attack?
What are the warning signs of heart attack?
The most common warning signs of a heart attack are outlined below. You may have just one of these symptoms, or you may have a combination of them. Symptoms can come on suddenly or develop over minutes and get progressively worse. Symptoms usually last for at least 10 minuts.
Discomfort or pain in the centre of your chest—this can often feel like a heaviness, tightness or pressure. People who have had a heart attack have commonly described it as like “an elephant sitting on my shest”, “a belt that’s been tightened around my chest”, or “bad indestion”. The discomfort may spread to different parts of your upper body.
Discomfort in these parts of your upper body:
o Arm(s)
o Shoulder(s)
o Neck
o Jaw
o Back
You may have a choking feeling in your throat. Your arms may feel heavy or usless.
You may also experience other signs and symptoms:
o Feel short of breath
o Feel nauseous
o Have a cold sweat
o Feel dizzy or light-headed
Some people have described feeling generally unwell or”not quite right”. If you have heart attack warning signs, refer to your action plan and get help fast. Call Triple Zero (000) and ask for an ambulance. If calling Triple Zero (000) does not work on your mobile phone, try 112.
Warning signs of heart attack—what to do
1. Stop—immediately stop what you are doing and rest.
2. Talk—if you are with someone, tell them what you are feeling.
o If you take angina medicine
i. Take on does of your angina medicine. Wait 5 minutes.
ii. Still have symptoms? Take another does of your medicine. Wait another 5 minutes.
o If any of your symptoms:
i. Are severe
ii. Get worse quickly
iii. Have last 10 minutes.
3. Call Triple Zero (000) now!
o Ask for an ambulance. Don’t hang up. Wait for advice from the operator.
Why is a heart attack an emergency?
With heart attack, every minute counts. Too many people lose their lives because they take too long to call Triple Zero (000) for an ambulance.
Getting to hospital quickly can reduce the damage to your hear muscle and increase your chance of survival. In hospital, staff will give you treatments that help to reduce the damage.
Why call Triple Zero (000)?
Calling Triple Zero (000) gets you:
o An ambulance fast
o Treatment as soon as you phone
o Advice on what to do while waiting for the ambulance to arrive.
Ambulance paramedics are trained to use special lifesaving equipment and to start early treatments for heart attack inside the ambulance.
The ambulance is the safest and fastest way to get you to hospital. It gets you medical attention straight away. Attempting to get to hospital quickly in a private vehicle can be dangerous for the occupants of your vehicle and other road users.
It is always better to go to hospital and be told it’s not a heart ttack than to stay at home until it is too late.
Be prepared
o Know the warning signs of heart attack and what to do.
o Keep your action plan handy (on your fridge or in your wallet/purse).
o Make sure that you have ambulance cover.
o Tell your family and friends about the warning signs of heart attack and what to do—talk to your doctor, attend a cardiac rehabilitation program or visit .au
Important notes
o No two heart attacks are the same.
Someone who has already had a heart attack may have different symptoms the second time.
o Warning signs differ from person to person.
Heart attacks are not always sudden or severe. Many start slowly with only mild pain or discomfort. Some people do not get any chest pain at all—only discomfort in other parts of their upper body.
o Knowing the warning signs of heart attack and acting quickly can reduce the damage to your heart muscle and increase your chance of survival.
Too many people lose their lives because they wait too long to call Triple Zero (000) for an ambulance.
Remember:
o People who have had a heart attack are at increased risk of having another.
o People with coronary heart disease still delay seeking medical care the second time they experience warning signs of heart attack.
Want to know more?
For more information about the warning signs of heart attack, visit .au or call our Health Infomration Service on 1300 36 27 87.
Reproduced with permission © National Heart Foundation of Australia.
Back page information
Produced by:
Editor
National Coordinator, Men’s Health Peer Education
The Department of Veterans’ Affairs
Available for download at:
Feedback, Articles and Ideas:
Email the editor: menshealth@.au
Mail your letter to:
Editor
Men’s Health Peer Education magazine
c/- Department of Veterans’ Affairs
GPO Box 9998
Sydney NSW 2001
Would you like to order more copies of the magazine? It’s easy!
Download an order form from our website or email the Editor.
Next issue due out in July 2014
Theme: Veterans’ Health Week issue.
Deadline for articles is the 16 May 2014.
If you’d like to share your story with our readers or have an idea for an article, we’d like to hear from you. You can email the Editor at menshealth@.au or call 1800 555 254 (regional) or 133 254 (metro) and ask for the MHPE National Coordinator.
................
................
In order to avoid copyright disputes, this page is only a partial summary.
To fulfill the demand for quickly locating and searching documents.
It is intelligent file search solution for home and business.
Related download
Related searches
- department of veterans affairs resume
- department of veterans affairs fms
- department of veterans affairs website
- department of veterans affairs finance center
- department of veterans affairs address
- department of veterans affairs benefits
- department of veterans affairs forms
- department of veterans affairs programs
- department of veterans affairs intranet
- department of veterans affairs payment
- department of veterans affairs garnishment
- department of veterans affairs codes