Australia, we have a problem!

5 men a day are killing themselves
Compared to 1 woman a day
What’s happening to our men?

The highest proportion of men dying are between 30-44 years of age.
Our brothers, partners, husbands, fathers and sons

We’re losing our future masculine influence.

The Mr Invincible of these men took over their Regular Joe. We won’t ever now the potential of their True Man.

Dr. Elizabeth Celi’s recently released book “Regular Joe vs. Mr Invincible – The Battle for the True Man” has conversations with 6 courageous Australian men who share insights into their private world as a man. His internal world where his Regular Joe has daily battles with his Mr Invincible. Ultimately, it’s the battle for the True Man who looks after his health.

The significant shift in the Australian man’s role and identity in the 21st Century is contributing to his difficulty in tending to his health. There are gender specific issues relating to men’s health, as there are naturally for women. On a national level the National Women’s Health Policy helped get women’s health needs on track near 20 years ago. I’m grateful for how it’s universal health approach guided me, as a woman, in my treatment seeking behaviour today.
 

A National Men’s Health Policy can steer the direction of many amazing services already on offer for men. The ironic things is,

Australia actually has no National Men’s Health Policy
                       
As a Psychologist who holistically manages my clients’ psychological health toward quality living, I’m confused that we actually don’t have a National Men’s Health Policy up and running. I’m actually shocked at the 20 year gap. Especially after the brilliant influence of the National Women’s Health Policy for women’s specific health needs.

A Men’s and Father’s Health Forum at our Australian Parliament House in Canberra on March 19th this year had me contribute to a media interview on the absence of a National Men’s Health Policy  and on the amazing 20 year gap since our National Women’s Health Policy came into play.

The framework and process of the National Women’s Health Policy 20 years ago has beautifully led the way for us to holistically assist our Australian men. Productively developing a strengths based policy that tends to the physical, psychological, social and family health needs of our Australian men - our fathers, husbands, partners, brothers and sons.

Our Minister for Health, the Honorable Nicola Roxon thankfully initiated this process with her proposal for a National Men’s Health Policy. Many dedicated men’s health, academic and business professionals involved with the Men’s and Father’s Health Forum at Parliament House, Canberra on the 19th of March, communicated our commitment to assist the office of the Minister for Health in the development of a working document for a National Men’s Health Policy.

Together with Dr. Elizabeth Celi’s book raising awareness for all Australian men and women on the difficulties men face in looking after their own health, the National Men’s Health Policy development can let Australians know that the specific health needs of husbands, partners, fathers and sons has national importance. Our National Women’s Health Policy has shown us how it can positively influence a nation’s health.

Click here to add your voice to Robyn Riley’s campaign, social reporter for the Herald Sun, toward a National Men’s Health Policy.

Return to home page