Men’s health secrets revealed to 4,000

Media Release
26 November 2006

Men’s health secrets revealed to 4,000

Over 4,000 men have attended men’s health events during the Freemasons month-long awareness programme, ‘Men’s Health – No More Secrets’.

Freemasons Grand Secretary, Laurence Milton, said it was a case of ‘secrets revealed’ for the men who attended, many in the company of their wives or partners. Events were held at Lodges and community centres throughout New Zealand between 22 October and 21 November.

“We are pleased with the results. Having 4,000 men take an active interest in their health by turning out to hear health professionals talk about the conditions that their mates and family members have succumbed to is a huge step forward.

“In Tauranga a cancer specialist, a cardiologist and a sex therapist spoke to 500 men at an event which ran over time as there were so many questions. Five lodges combined to run this event.

“In some areas the attendance was a lot smaller, but the presenters and their messages were valued by those who attended,” said Mr Milton

Mr Milton said from the feedback forms it appears attendees recognise:
• A need for men to take responsibility for their own health
• Diet and exercise help in the three areas of most concern: cancer, diabetes and heart
• Men need to catch up on promoting their health standards, and acknowledge women are much better at this
• Short bursts of information by local speakers made the event more relevant and non-threatening
• The value of regular GP visits and now understand more about prescription medicines

The health professionals who presented at the Men’s Health – No More Secrets events all welcomed the opportunity to pass on health information to locals in an informal atmosphere.

The Men’s Health Month awareness programme was discussed at the Freemasons Conference held in Wellington over the weekend.

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