By Scott Schulte – Ashgrove Physioworks
Men often have a drastically different understanding of what health actually means. “I’ll be fine”, “It’s nothing”, “I’ve had worse” – we’ve all heard a man say it, or you may have said it yourself.
Statistically, men suffer more illness, more accidents, and die earlier than women due to a variety of preventable diseases, yet are less likely to seek help than their counterparts.
Men’s health week is an annual occasion and provides an important opportunity to draw attention to men’s health, and to highlight and support the overall health and wellbeing of boys and men in the community. This week is not only an opportunity to raise awareness, but also to encourage management of preventable health problems and to promote early detection and treatment of disease in the male population. Men’s health week focuses not only on physical health, but also men’s emotional and mental well-being.
At Healthia, we aim to encourage all men to be proactive with their health. Through offering a supportive environment, clinical expertise and stimulating open conversation, we hope to improve the health status of many men in our community.
Men’s Health Facts
- Heart disease is the leading killer of men in Australia, and 4 in 5 heart deaths under the age of 65 are male.
- Suicide is the leading cause of death in men under the age of 55 in Australia, and 3 in 4 of all suicides are male.
- Prostate cancer is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers in Australia, and is the leading cancer diagnosis in males. 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer before the age of 85.
- Urinary incontinence affects 1 in 10 Australian men, however 70% of Australians do not seek advice or treatment for their problem.
What Can You Do?
Although men often like to blame genetics, research shows only 30% of a male’s overall health is determined by genetics and the other 70% is controllable through lifestyle choices. Simple lifestyle changes that can have a positive health impact include:
- Increase exercise and physical activity levels to minimise risks of cardiac conditions and optimise mental well-being (2.5-5 hours of moderate intensity exercise and 2 x muscle strength sessions per week).
- Reduce alcohol consumption to minimise risk of developing type 2 diabetes
- Optimise sleep, aiming for 7-8 hours per night
- Take care of relationships, set goals, and take the time to talk to mates
How We Can Help:
As physiotherapists, we are in a very privileged position where we can educate, encourage and promote men’s health. We have a high level of clinical knowledge and expertise to assist men in addressing many of the controllable lifestyle factors which we know can reduce the risk of preventable diseases. We are also perfectly placed to address, manage, and improve any current conditions or health concerns which commonly affect men, including:
- Managing musculoskeletal injuries or pain which may be a barrier to getting active or remaining active.
- Providing advice and guidance with exercise programs to improve general health and fitness, or with more specific goals such as improving strength.
- Addressing bladder, bowel or sexual health concerns, particularly related to prostate cancer treatment or prostate procedures.
Ready To Regain Control Of Your Health?
By working alongside an experienced physiotherapist that understands male health and the challenges that men face, you or the man in your life can make positive and healthy lifestyle changes to optimise physical, mental and emotional health. Your physiotherapist will work closely with your doctor or any other relevant health practitioner to ensure you have the best outcome possible. Book online or call your local physio to make an appointment.
About Scott Schulte
Scott graduated from Australian Catholic University in Brisbane in 2019 with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy Degree. During his student years Scott worked at PhysioWorks Ashgrove and is excited to return here to work with our fantastic team.
Scott prides himself on having a very personable approach to all patients, and takes the time to understand the condition and person in front of him. He has completed a number of post-graduate courses to expand his knowledge and assist in enhancing patient outcomes.
He enjoys working with all age groups, and treats a wide range of sporting injuries and musculoskeletal/orthopaedic conditions. Scott has additional training in treating Men’s Health conditions including bladder and bowel dysfunction, and works with men for pre and post prostate surgery rehabilitation.
While completing his degree, Scott maintained a career as a professional athlete, playing Rugby League at an elite level in Townsville, Sydney, and Brisbane where he finished his career with the Redcliffe Dolphins. In his spare time, he enjoys fishing, camping, playing golf, and making the most of the beautiful outdoors with friends and family.
Scott’s special interests areas include musculoskeletal injuries and conditions, spinal & neck pain, men’s health physiotherapy, sports injury management, orthopedic & post-operative rehabilitation, dry needling and balance & falls prevention.
References
[1] www.canceraustralia.gov.au
[2] www.amhf.org.au/mens_mental_health
[3] www.amhf.org.au/mens_heart_health
[4] www.continence.org.au/about-us/our-work/key-statistics-incontinence