MANY TWU members fall into the “danger zone” for prostate cancer – that is men aged 45 and older.
When this fact landed on the desk of Melbourne Demons Football Club senior coach Paul Roos he was straight on the phone to the
TWU News.
“You tell those blokes they have to man-up when it comes to their health and well-being,” Mr Roos, who this year became an ambassador for prostate cancer awareness, www.prostate.org.au, said.
“Just get it done, there’s no excuses and if you think there may be a problem – see a doctor.”
The premiership-winning coach said men were “just not as good as women in taking care of their own bodies – but think they are invincible.”
“Like footballers, truck drivers and transport workers work in a very physical environment and plenty are probably not going for check-ups. You don’t want to wait until it is too late,” he said.
“It is a real male stereotype and even a badge of honour to avoid doctors and we need to change that mindset.”
One in five men are diagnosed with prostate-related illnesses.
Eating too much fatty processed food and a lack of physical activity are key contributing factors.
Mr Roos said the message for personal up-keep was the same for finely-tuned AFL athletes and TWU members.
“Get into a routine. That’s it. Eat more healthily and make time to go for a jog or walk, do weights, have a swim, it doesn’t matter. The healthier you are the more productive you are.”
From next issue the TWU News will start a new column featuring a member or members who have an inspirational health and well-being story to tell. So dob in a co-worker or yourself today.