Event floats new idea to support men’s health

Many men tend to find themselves up the creek without a paddle when it comes to their health, but an event this Saturday aims to change that.

As part of Men’s Health Week, the Men’s Resource Centre will host the inaugural Up the Creek with a Paddle event at the Boat Shed on Princess Royal Harbour.

From 9am, 250 kayaks and stand-up paddleboards will take to the water to combine fitness and fun to encourage men of all ages to talk about their health.

Despite men taking their own lives at four times the rate of women and dying earlier than their female counterparts, it is time to put a positive spin on men’s health, according to MRC community educator Grant Westthorp.

“This is the first time we have tried to put a positive spin on Men’s Health Week,” he said.

“So guys can understand if they find themselves up the creek without a paddle, they should have gone to seek help earlier.

“Most of the statistics are preventable if guys looked after their own health.”

After seeing his father battle with mental health issues and alcoholism, elected Men’s Health Week ambassador Rory Callaghan said he wanted himself and to encourage others to be part of the solution.

“The thing that scares me is suicide is the leading cause of death for men under 35 in Australia — that’s all my friends,” he said.

“I think talking about men’s health is the change we need ... for the most part, blokes put on a brave face.

“It’s a chance to meet people and share stories and know that it is normal for blokes... we all go through it.”