MEDIA RELEASE
New men’s campaign set to confirm that blokes are keen about their
health
Friday 22nd January, 2010: A unique, interactive Australian website which focuses specifically on
men’s health issues has been launched to help Australian men, particularly those in remote and
regional areas, find accurate lifestyle information and seek support when they need it. The Men’s
e-Health Network (MeHN –
men are indifferent about their health and are unwilling to seek advice.
The campaign will also help deliver new research into what impact online resources can have on
men’s health.
The program has been developed by The Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia and Vario
Health Institute (VHI) at Edith Cowan University through funding from the Australian Government
Department of Health and Ageing Healthy Active Australia Community Grant.
VHI Exercise Psychologist and Research Assistant, Shane Johnstone, says the website offers a
new approach in helping men access the latest information and seeks to impact on the wellbeing of
those Australian men who are affected by barriers to better health, like those in rural communities.
“Statistics have shown that around five male deaths every hour are preventable by making lifestyle
changes¹.
If we can help reduce this impact by making it easier for men to access the latest
healthcare advice then that would be a great outcome,” said Mr Johnstone.
The main focus of the site is to increase activity levels, enjoy healthier diets, speak
out about
troubling issues and consult a healthcare professional where required.
“We suspect that the image of the brave Aussie bloke dealing with his health issues in isolation,
totally disinterested in what doctors and other healthcare professionals think is just a myth. We
think there is huge demand for the latest men’s lifestyle information,” added Johnstone.
“The greatest advantages of an online resource like this is that it overcomes a number of barriers
like cost, opening hours, inconvenient locations, transport, as well as men who may be
embarrassed or don’t like to be seen getting help. Not to forget men in rural areas whose access
to a positive health influence can be limited.”
Users can take advantage of information including health screening, exercise, nutrition, mental
wellbeing as well as resources like exercise programs, self organisation tools and the health
assessment and health check log book.
ENDS
For more information or media enquiries please contact Margo (0408 451 693, margo@palin.com.au) at
Palin Communications 02 9412 2255.
1.
(Mathers, Vos & Stevenson, 1999)
NEWS 
