Release date: 18/06/2010
Aussie blokes take their health for granted. But can Business afford to do the same? That was the question on the table at today’s Men’s Health and The Economy lunch.
Chair of The Prince Charles Hospital Foundation Mr John Hamilton said the lunch was an opportunity for the business community to hear about the economic implications of men’s health. “We’re thrilled that the Federal Treasurer, The Honourable Wayne Swan MP, gave the key note address in his capacity as our Ambassador for Men’s Health,” Mr Hamilton said. “Men make up the majority of our full time work force, but they’re also the least likely to take their health seriously in terms of getting regular check-ups and talking to their GP. “Men have higher death rates than women, with heart disease, lung cancer, suicide and respiratory diseases as some of the leading causes. The Prince Charles Hospital excels in both its care and research in these fields.” Wayne Swan has made no secret of his own battle with prostate cancer in 2001 and it was this personal wake-up call which drives his commitment to men’s health. “I was lucky that, through a screening test, a switched on GP found my cancer when it was early enough to treat and saved my life,” Mr Swan said. “I recovered quickly and was able to return to politics. More importantly, I am alive to be with my family. “As men, we need to recognise that taking care of our health is not just about us. It’s about being around to look after our families. For me, it’s about playing cricket with my son Matt, listening to my daughters Libbi and Erinn sing, and about Kim and I being able to take the kids on holidays up the coast.” Sharif Deen, who lost almost 80kg as a finalist on The Biggest Loser in 2009, is the Foundation’s new Ambassador for Healthy Lifestyles. He shared his personal journey to good health, including his new found passion for personal fitness. The lunch was presented in partnership with Herbert Geer for Men’s Health Week. For information about research supported by The Prince Charles Hospital Foundation visit www.tpchfoundation.org.au Download the media release (pdf)
Media contacts: Christine Atkinson, The Prince Charles Hospital Foundation ph (07) 3139 6350