Tasmanian Government Media Release - 21 April 2008:
The AMA Tasmania Foundation, RACT and the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia have joined forces to form MISTA - the Men's Health Information Services Tasmania Alliance. This new alliance is behind a campaign to encourage Tasmanian men to talk about their health with general practitioners and pharmacists before serious problems emerge.
The campaign will see information about key men's health issues appear regularly in the media and in publications including the RACT Motor News. This early intervention will hopefully help men live a healthier lifestyle - one which includes regular exercise, nutritious eating and a reduction in risky behaviours like smoking and excessive alcohol intake.
The fact is that up to 80% of heart disease, 90% of Type 2 Diabetes and one third of cancers could be avoided through changing lifestyle factors. The campaign may also ensure men receive help earlier for mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety.
The key messages of the MISTA campaign include:
- The need for men to work in partnership with general practitioners and pharmacists to ensure good health care.
- The need for men to talk about their health.
- The fact that men's health affects everyone in society.
- If men wait for a problem to emerge, it is often too late - regular GP visits are important.
Factors such as socioeconomic status, ethnicity, sexual identity, age and geographical location affect the health of men and boys in Tasmania. Men should also be aware of their family history to ensure potential health problems can be identified early.
Go to the Department of Health and Human Services website for more information at www.dhhs.tas.gov.au/healthyliving/mens
