Latest news with #Men'sHealthWeek
Man of Many
5 days ago
- Health
- Man of Many
Walk It Off? The New Therapy Trial Getting Aussie Men Talking
By Nick Hall - News Published: 17 June 2025 Share Copy Link Readtime: 7 min Every product is carefully selected by our editors and experts. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Learn more. For more information on how we test products, click here. We've heard the statistics, we know the consequences, and yet the depression epidemic crippling Australian men remains as consistent as ever. New data from the University of Newcastle has revealed that while depression remains one of the country's leading causes of disease burden, less than 40 per cent of those experiencing mental health issues seek help. Even more concerning, nearly half of those who do attend therapy drop out prematurely, often after just one session. For many Australian men, the road to recovery is often paved with silence, but a new initiative is aiming to tackle the issue head-on. Studies show that traditional therapy approaches fall short for many men | Image: Cindy Bartillon The Walk and Talk Revolution Unveiled as part of a broader Men's Health Week initiative, the Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) is encouraging men to step outside of their comfort zones and into the great outdoors. Led by Associate Professor, Hunter Medical Research Institute and the University of Newcastle, Dr Myles Young, the new 'Walk-and-Talk' clinical trial is reimaging how therapy is delivered, swapping the leather couch and doctor's surgery for a more pristine and inviting environment. The idea is simple: by shifting the sessions outdoors and to a more relaxed setting, men will feel more comfortable, open and free to speak up. 'We are really excited about this study. At its core, we are hoping to answer a simple question: does changing the setting of therapy have an impact on how engaging and effective it is for men?' Dr Myles Young says. 'There are some potential added benefits of engaging in therapy outdoors, including the chance to be physically active and get exposed to nature. Some men may also like the shoulder-to-shoulder nature of the conversations.' The innovative approach is designed to tackle what Dr Young believes is a significant mental barrier for young men: the rigidity of conventional therapy. Just as the causes of depression are complex and unique to each person, often the result of biological, psychological and social factors, so too should the therapy be tailored to an individual's needs. In an extensive study of almost 2,000 Australian men who had attended therapy, the most common reasons for dropping out were a lack of connection with the therapist, followed by a sense that attending therapy just 'didn't feel right'. 'Some men drop out because they feel therapy isn't relevant to them, too formal, or overly focused on emotions in ways that can feel confronting or uncomfortable,' Dr Young says. 'Others may struggle to see the immediate, practical benefits, or may feel shame for needing help. Therapeutic approaches that don't align with men's communication style or preferences can also lead to disengagement.' Associate Professor Dr Myles Young from Hunter Medical Research Institute and University of Newcastle (R) | Image: University of Newcastle Addressing the Hurdles For many Australian men, mental health challenges remain a closely guarded secret. Issues surrounding public image and traditional ideals represent a significant barrier to entry, preventing a vast number of depression sufferers from seeking help. 'Many men value independence, problem-solving, and resilience, which are great strengths in most circumstances. However, these same qualities can also make it harder to reach out for support,' Dr Young says. 'Rather than a lack of willingness, it's often that men have been conditioned to believe they should 'push through' on their own. Reframing help-seeking as a courageous, proactive step can help, as it aligns with the values men often hold.' 'Traditional masculine norms like emotional stoicism, self-reliance, and the need to appear strong often discourage men from acknowledging distress or seeking help,' he continues. 'These norms can contribute to feelings of shame or failure when men face mental health struggles, making them less likely to engage with therapy.' Hunter Medical Research Institute and University of Newcastle launch 'Walk-and-Talk' clinical study | Image: Lala Azizli The Road to Long-Lasting Mental Health The positive news is that things are changing. Dr Young reveals that a growing awareness amongst Australian men that seeking help is not a sign of weakness, but rather of strength, is spreading rapidly, buoyed by the spate of open discussions from celebrities, athletes and high-profile media personalities. As the mental health expert explains, the shift in sentiment is helping to create more avenues for treatment; however, there is still work to be done. 'It's great to see more male public figures openly discussing their mental health challenges. It's even more powerful to see everyday men start to have these conversations with each other,' he says. 'While men are still less likely than women to seek help for their mental health, the gap is closing over time. There is still a way to go, but there has been great progress in recent years.' 'As a society, we can continue to actively challenge social norms that suggest men should be tough, self-reliant, and emotionally restrained. By creating environments that normalise help-seeking and position it as a sign of strength and responsibility, we can shift the narrative around what it means to be a man.' Hunter Medical Research Institute and University of Newcastle launch 'Walk-and-Talk' clinical study | Image: Lumeeo Chasseur Immobilier Men's Therapy Study While formal therapy settings clash with society's traditional expectations of masculinity, the 'Walk-and-Talk' method creates shared ownership of the space in which therapy takes place, and it's not the only initiative challenging the industry standards. As Dr Young reveals, a series of projects are being rolled out across the globe in a combined effort to make therapy more engaging for men. The Australian Government's recent announcement of an additional $32 million in funding is one key step in supporting men's health and breaking the stigma around seeking support. Projects such as Movember's 'Men in Mind' program are specifically designed to equip mental health professionals with the skills and strategies needed to effectively engage, support, and retain male clients in therapy. According to Dr Young, the key to making therapy more accessible and inviting is understanding how mental challenges arise and impact everyday Australians. 'Research has an important role to play as it can help us understand the specific barriers men face, the types of language and strategies that resonate with them, and which therapeutic styles improve engagement and retention,' he says. 'By continuing to build this evidence base, we can design services that are not only more appealing but also more effective in supporting men over the long term.' 'There are many paths to good mental health. Therapy can be incredibly helpful, but it's not necessarily the right fit for everyone at every stage of their life. If someone is going through a tough time, a great first step is to have a conversation with a general practitioner, who can provide guidance and help explore the options that might work best for them.' The 'Walk-and-Talk' clinical study, which is a collaboration between Hunter Medical Research Institute and the University of Newcastle, is set to kick off in the coming months. Tackling the depression epidemic with a fresh new look, the revised therapy approach has the potential to lead to improved engagement and clinical outcomes. For a group most at risk of falling out of therapy and through the cracks, the informal method could prove to be a lifesaver. Right now, the HMRI is calling for male participants to help shape the future of mental health treatment, one step at a time.
News18
14-06-2025
- Health
- News18
Metabolic Syndrome In Men: Why Is This A Growing Health Crisis In India?
Last Updated: Metabolic disorders are becoming increasingly common among Indian men across both urban and rural settings. This calls for a need to understand and manage this health concern. Indian lifestyle has undergone significant changes over the past few decades that have led to several health implications, unintentionally paving the path for a silent epidemic – metabolic disorders. For Indian men in particular, these lifestyle changes have translated into a rising burden of chronic health conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. Recent estimates suggest that nearly 26% of Indian men may be living with metabolic syndrome or related lifestyle disorders, which are conditions that significantly increase the risk of long-term complications and early mortality. With these lifestyle disorders becoming increasingly common, affecting men at younger ages and across both urban and rural settings, there is an urgent need to understand and manage this growing health concern. As we observe Men's Health Week, it is an important moment to spotlight these silent but escalating threats. Dr Ramesh Menon, Associate Director of Personal Genomics and Genomic Medicine, MedGenome, Bengaluru talks about the risks, the need for making early lifestyle changes, and undergoing regular health check-ups. Uncovering the New Drivers of Men's Health Risks While not always life-threatening, metabolic disorders serve as subtle precursors to more serious cardiovascular events such as coronary artery disease (CAD) and stroke, posing a considerable health hazard. Dr Menon says, 'With an often disproportionately higher incidence in men, these disorders have traditionally been associated with smoking, excess alcohol, and sedentary lifestyles, which drive metabolic dysfunction. However, today the reasons go beyond these evident causes." Dr Menon adds, 'Chronic stress and sleep deprivation, for example, are now acknowledged as major non-traditional contributors to metabolic disorders. Apart from its psychological effects, stress also triggers hormonal changes, including higher cortisol levels, which can directly lead to insulin resistance, weight gain, and hypertension, all of which give rise to metabolic imbalance." This complex interplay of factors culminates in a set of conditions collectively known as metabolic disorders, such as hypertension (high blood pressure), obesity, type 2 diabetes, sleep disturbances, and fatty liver disease. They increase the risk of life-threatening conditions like heart attacks and strokes, as they frequently advance without any symptoms until serious harm has been done. Dr Menon says, 'A landmark report published in 2023 by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) found a much greater prevalence of metabolic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) than was previously estimated, indicating the urgency of addressing metabolic disorders in the country. The study also highlighted a higher urban than rural prevalence for most metabolic NCDs, signifying the impact of urbanisation and changing lifestyles." Other studies have found growing and higher prevalence of these diseases in men as compared to women. Dr Menon continued, 'The National Family Health Survey 2019–2021 stated that hypertension prevalence was 30.3% among men and 28.6% among women, and diabetes prevalence was 19.7% among men and 17.4% among women. Though there is no consolidated report, across regions in the country, fatty liver disease also has a predominance among men, with a prevalence ranging between 24.6–76.6%, while it's between 13.6–35.13% among women." Dr Menon also revealed how the National Academy of Medical Sciences (India) reported that NCDs, which are typically present in individuals aged 55 years or older in many developed countries, have their onset in India a decade earlier (≥45 years of age). This accelerated progression underscores a unique and pressing public health challenge. The Risk Beyond Lifestyle Besides these lifestyle and environmental factors, genetic makeup also predisposes individuals to metabolic disorders. One of the most effective tools for early intervention is knowing one's genetic risk. Genetic screening can identify inherited predispositions such as type 2 diabetes or hypertension, enabling individuals to make informed lifestyle choices. Dr Menon shares some lifestyle changes that can help you take care of your health. Cultivate an active lifestyle: Consistent exercise, regardless of intensity, can have a profound impact on insulin sensitivity, weight management, and blood pressure. The current standard is to achieve 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise, supplemented with daily movement. Manage stress effectively: Incorporate practices like yoga, meditation, mindfulness, and spending time with nature in your daily routine to reduce and manage stress. Ensure adequate sleep: Sleep is important for hormones and metabolic regulation. Try to get between seven and nine hours of uninterrupted sleep every night. Regular Health Check-ups: The key is early detection. Frequent checks for weight, cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar allow any problems to be identified and managed in time. Know Your Family History and Genetic Risk: Talk to your doctor about your family's health risks and consider undertaking genetic testing and discussing options with your doctor as part of your personalised prevention efforts. By recognising the contributing risk factors, acknowledging the influence of genetics, and embracing proactive lifestyle changes, meaningful steps can be taken toward preventing metabolic disorders. The News18 Lifestyle section brings you the latest on health, fashion, travel, food, and culture — with wellness tips, celebrity style, travel inspiration, and recipes. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! First Published:
West Australian
13-06-2025
- Health
- West Australian
Men from Goldfields-Esperance region open up about biggest struggles
A common saying associated with living in a small town is 'everyone knows everything about everyone' — but that's not always the case. Twenty-eight men from the Goldfields-Esperance region have opened up about their biggest struggles when it comes to their mental and physical health, with many responses revealing most of them choose to keep their issues to themselves. This week, to acknowledge and raise awareness for Men's Health Week, the Kalgoorlie Miner invited men from the region to participate in an anonymous survey aiming to find out about their mental and physical health issues. The Miner also spoke to Kalgoorlie-Boulder clinical psychologist Christina Petz, who believes men often struggle more with mental health issues as they are less likely to speak about their feelings compared to women. 'I think that's the big difference between women and men, which is women will generally access something or look for help, while men are less likely to reach out for help,' she said. 'Men just put on a brave face and try to get through it by themselves.' According to data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, 75 per cent of people who have ended their lives are men, while 83 per cent of those had displayed risk factors associated with poor physical and mental health. From the survey by the Kalgoorlie Miner, 85 per cent of the participants aged 16 to 68 admitted to experiencing a physical or mental health issue. Some 64 per cent of the men said they had dealt with a physical health issue, while more than half admitted to having a mental health issue. And 46 per cent of participants said they had even suffered from both. The most prevalent mental health issues the regional men reported to having were depression and anxiety, while their most common physical health issues involved problems with their weight and having an addiction, including alcohol and substance abuse. One 30-year-old anonymous participant admitted to having issues with addiction as a result of other issues he had faced and said it took him a long time until he asked for help. 'It took me many years to speak to a professional and learn how to identify when I was spiralling and to try speak to someone, as opposed to numbing it with substances,' he said. A 19-year-old participant also reported having an addiction as well as weight problems and mental health issues, and said he avoided seeking help because he was afraid of confronting his addiction. 'I avoided seeking medical advice because I felt like I never had enough time due to work and when I did have time, I felt uncomfortable going because it's hard to admit that I have an addiction that I shouldn't have at my age,' he said. Ms Petz said she believed there was a 'gender bias' which held lots of men back from seeking help. 'I think there's a gender bias that we have in society that men are strong and women are weak,' she said. 'We're taught as children that boys don't cry but it's acceptable for girls to.' Many of the men who participated in the survey admitted to avoiding professional help because of their beliefs about how men needed to act according to the world. 'As a male, your mental health issues are your issues that you deal with so it can't be used against you,' one said. Another said: 'I did avoid help because I felt weak asking for it'. 'I feel like if I can't help myself then no one can,' another said. Ms Petz said there were many online resources for men suffering from mental health issues who felt 'vulnerable' seeking face-to-face help and recommended the Medicare Mental Health webpage. A 37-year-old man from Kalgoorlie-Boulder who suffers from anxiety and panic attacks shared his story in the Kalgoorlie Miner's anonymous survey about how online resources helped him shake his attacks. 'At my worst I didn't sleep for three days straight as every time I tried to, I would wake up five minutes later in the middle of an attack,' he said. 'I lost 10kg within a month and I never wanted to or took medication for anxiety — instead, I learnt about what internal behaviours, thought patterns and beliefs caused my anxiety and panic attacks.' The man said Panic Free TV on Youtube helped him stop his panic attacks within weeks, while helped him to understand why he felt a certain way and how to deal with his emotions. 'I haven't had a panic attack in six years,' he said. 'It all starts with the correct information being available and people recognising the symptoms.' Another participant said he thought if it was not for seeking professional help and talking through his struggles with his loved ones, he would probably no longer be alive. 'I learnt from my previous battle with mental health issues to identify when I was going downhill and to brace myself with a strong support network of friends, family and professionals,' he said. 'I make my support network aware in the early days instead of holding it in and we have been able to keep me from spiralling. 'I learnt to do this through one of my therapists and it has been extremely helpful. 'It's probably kept me alive.' A 41-year-old survey participant from the region also shared his experience of being diagnosed with sepsis and other physical health issues and how he overcame the worst of it. The man said he was in an induced coma for several months, losing lots of weight, and was then refused back into his work after he recovered. He said he was 'losing his mind' until he found help. 'I spoke with an actual psychologist, Frank at Regional Counselling Services, and it made me realise I wasn't anxious, depressed or losing my mind — I was bored and wanted to be active,' he said. 'I took up some hobbies to keep my hands and mind busy, but I couldn't have done it without the support from my partner, my kids and my friends.' Ms Petz said taking up hobbies and incorporating healthy habits into daily routines was vital for living a healthy life, both mentally and physically. She recommends people struggling should get plenty of sleep, eat healthy, exercise, connect with others, learn to manage stress, do breathing and reflecting exercises. Ms Petz also said she believed it was important for men to identify when they were struggling, as many regional men, specifically those in Kalgoorlie-Boulder, often grappled with demanding work hours. A 44-year-old father of two from the region admitted to feeling burnt out by his long work hours. 'When I was younger, working long swings of two weeks or more was not too much of a problem, but now that I have two young kids and I'm in my 40s, the long swings have started to take its toll on my physical and mental health,' he said. 'I miss important family events when I'm at work and when I'm home, I'm constantly struggling with fatigue which affects my ability to be a good dad and husband. 'Drinking alcohol and comfort eating are ways I self-manage my fatigue and anxiety, which is affecting my physical health.' The man said after he realised his job had affected his life, he took action to improve it. 'I am currently talking to a counsellor about managing my anxiety and stress and have considered a change of careers,' he said. 'I also find going to the gym a good way to feel more positive and less stressed.' Ms Petz recommended men who might be struggling with their careers to take time off when they need or reduce their work hours if their work-to-life balance was becoming unmanageable. She also insisted men reduce any unhealthy coping mechanisms they might have, such as consuming alcohol, saying most of the time physical and mental health issues were linked. 'If you improve one of them — your mental health or your physical health — both of them are going to improve,' she said. She believes there's still a 'long way to go' for men's health to improve but is hopeful with the right knowledge and awareness, more men will feel confident facing and overcoming their challenges. Men's Health Week is from June 9 to 15 and encourages people to check in with their mates and to not feel ashamed asking for help. This year's theme is Men's Health Checks, emphasising the importance of addressing health challenges and booking regular health checks. The number for the online men's counselling service MensLine Australia is 1300 789 978, while the number for the crisis support helpline Lifeline WA is 13 11 14.
Irish Examiner
12-06-2025
- Health
- Irish Examiner
Project to strengthen farmers' mental health 'very successful'
A project supporting farmers' mental health has been 'very successful' and a great example of helping men, a Tipperary hurler and academic said. Dr Conor Hammersley is a former Tipperary player and principal investigator in rural mental health at the New York Center for Agricultural Medicine and Health. 'There's good data to say that farmers experience many challenges around their mental health and (it's) one of the highest occupations associated with suicide,' he said. He was part of a team designing a training programme for agricultural advisors so they could help with mental health on top of what they already offer farmers. The idea, he said, was to 'try and meet them (farmers) where they're at and to try and create more supportive networks around mental health'. The 'On Feirm Ground' project – a play on words between the English word firm and the Irish for farm – includes advice on recognising signs of distress in farmers. Speaking on a HSE podcast to mark Men's Health Week, he said: 'From what I can see, it's been very successful'. This tailored focus on one group is 'a great example' of how men's health could be approached, he suggested. 'Too often it's seen that men are just one homogenous group and this is why data is so important and demography is so important,' he said. "When you use data and you use demographics, you can see what communities are in most need of resources to be distributed towards them.' HSE podcast host, Fergal Fox, said: 'Thankfully we've seen the On Feirm Ground programme go from strength to strength.' The advisors welcomed the training, he noted. 'They could see the issues coming up in the farmyard. They were talking to farmers that were stressed out and that they were trying to advise them,' he said. But they could see that their issues were beyond the agri-business or the farming itself. He added this year the Department of Agriculture has increased funding for health, safety, and well-being. 'So there'll be more activities coming out,' he said. Dr Hammersley also plays in New York and was part of their victory in the Lory Meagher Cup last month. He referred to comments by team captain Johnny Glynn in a 'very powerful' interview on The GAA Social podcast earlier this month. The discussion on IVF was "sharing an experience that typically men wouldn't do," he said. 'I'm just thinking back to Johnny Glynn's podcast," he said. "And one of the things that he said since he started to speak about it himself - about the difficulty him and his partner have had with IVF treatment – the amount of men that have come to him with similar experiences." Read More Veterinary Advice: Farmers must reach out for help in this time of hardship
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
It might be time to get the men in your life to see a doctor!
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — Every June, you have the opportunity to celebrate the men in your life by sending them to the doctor. Maybe not the doctor, but to make sure they stay healthy. Men's Health Week is the week leading up to Father's Day every year. Men are encouraged to make their health a priority and, of course, spread awareness. According to Arik Olson, the medical director with Fidelis Care, you have to be consistent. 'I believe it's important for all men to have a primary care provider. That could be a doctor, a nurse practitioner, a physician assistant,' said Olson. 'But I believe it's important to see that doctor, or primary care provider, at least once a year just for a check-up. Even if you're not sick, just to see if there's anything you should be doing to stay healthy.' According to data from the Center for Disease Control, the leading causes of death for men include heart disease, cancer, and accidents. They say: 14.7% of men 18 and older are in fair or poor health 30.9% had five or more drinks in one day, at least once within a year 12.5% smoke cigarettes 7.6% use E-cigarettes 50.8% are struggling with hypertension 39.2% of men 20 and older are considered obese There are a number of things men can do for their health, including eating healthy, exercising, not smoking, and not drinking too much. Those are the usual suspects, but Olson says it's also important to get your teeth cleaned every year and be social. 'Even joining a sports league or meeting with a group of people for whatever reason — maybe to play cards — has significant impacts for our health.' Then, of course, there are age-specific tests to keep in mind, like getting a colonoscopy after the age of 45. On Friday, people are encouraged to wear blue to celebrate Men's Health Week. Don't forget to snap a photo for social media, if you do. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
