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Pindara Private Hospital Magazine - Issue Five

Behaviour Behaviour also contributes to the ‘Man Flu’. General practitioners have continuously reported a lower rate of male visits than women, indicating that men are more reluctant to identify and treat symptoms or manage their health. Common belief maintains that men are less likely to consider themselves susceptible to sickness, when in fact, they are at higher risk than women. According to the Victorian Government’s Better Health Channel (BHC), more men develop serious health problems and die of non-sexspecific health problems than women. For every two women that die, three men die. BHC also identifies that Australian men visit the doctor less frequently for shorter amounts of time, and typically during the more severe stages of the sickness. The common evasion of health services among men has been attributed to the conventional expectation that men are tougher and should put up with their ailments. According to the NSW organisation, Mengage, the traditional stereotype of a self-reliant male has led to men’s attitudes and behaviours impacting adversely on their health, as many fear being perceived as ‘weak’. As a result, men often let their influenza worsen before arranging to see the GP, which exacerbates their symptoms and prolongs the recovery period. Whereas women will generally visit the doctor or seek treatment in the early stages, the ‘Man Flu’ is left to deteriorate in reluctant hands. Flu Shot Following a severe flu season in the northern hemisphere earlier this year, the appeal of the flu shot in Australia has been particularly strong. As part of the government’s public immunisation program, at-risk groups have free access to the flu shot, including over 65s, pregnant women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait people and people with serious medical conditions. Call your GP to arrange an appointment for a flu shot and and/or discuss the best health practices to prevent and treat the infamous ‘Man Flu’. Prevention and control • Cough etiquette – covering the nose and mouth while coughing and washing hands after • Washing hands before and after eating or drinking • Taking rest – if you’ve caught the flu, arrange the necessary time off work, refrain from exercise and take it easy • Flu shot – talk with your family about who needs to get the flu shot • Dress warmly • Maintain a healthy and balanced diet – refrain from high-sugar, high-fat foods and focus on warm and nutritious meals, such as soups • Keep hydrated – drink mainly water • Avoid exposure to cigarette smoke and alcohol • Consider paracetamol and ibuprofen for bad symptoms. pm Men ’s hea lth Wayne Wright 0407 777 449 wwright@primesuper.com.au Prime Super provides personal support to make super simpler Contact your local Regional Manager to find out how we can help you. Now incorporating 1800 675 839 www.primesuper.com.au Call 1800 675 839 for a Short-Form Product Disclosure Statement. Prime Super (ABN 60 562 335 823) is issued by Prime Super Pty Ltd (ABN 81 067 241 016, AFSL 219723, RSE L0000277, RN 1000276).


Pindara Private Hospital Magazine - Issue Five
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