Here’s a startling fact: men are dying from preventable diseases at alarming rates, and the reason might be simpler—and more fixable—than you think. But here’s where it gets controversial: What if the key to saving lives isn’t just better healthcare, but something as simple as talking? Glen Dunkerton, a community educator with the Regional Men’s Health Initiative, believes that speaking up about health concerns and checking in with friends is the first—and often most overlooked—step toward a healthier life. And this is the part most people miss: It’s not about grand gestures or hour-long therapy sessions; it’s about making health conversations a natural part of everyday life.
The Regional Men’s Health Initiative is on a mission to change this narrative, traveling across the state to community events, shows, and even agricultural field days to spark conversations about men’s health. This week, for instance, they’re teaming up with Play in the Park in Albany for a free dads and kids breakfast at Eyre Park on Saturday morning, starting at 7 a.m. Representatives from the initiative and Amity Health Communities for Children will be on hand to chat with attendees, offering what they call a ‘fast track pit stop’—a quick, 10-minute health check-up that includes measuring weight, blood pressure, and even a mental health check-in.
‘Men are lagging in so many health areas, from heart disease to cancer,’ Dunkerton explains. ‘There’s no reason they should be dying from these conditions at higher rates, except for one glaring issue: they’re not engaging with screenings or catching problems early.’ Here’s the bold truth: Men’s reluctance to talk about their health isn’t just a personal choice—it’s a cultural barrier that’s costing lives. But Dunkerton offers a simple solution: ‘Health check-ins don’t have to be complicated. Five or 10 minutes to ask yourself, ‘Am I okay?’ can make all the difference.’
The stigma around men discussing their wellbeing is particularly strong in regional areas, Dunkerton notes, but he emphasizes that breaking the silence starts with small steps. ‘The hardest part is starting the conversation,’ he says. ‘There’s this idea that men don’t talk, but that’s where groups like men’s sheds come in. Guys might not feel comfortable talking face to face, but they’ll open up ‘shoulder to shoulder’—while working on a car or fixing machinery, for example.’
This ‘side-by-side’ approach is key, Dunkerton explains. ‘Speaking up about how you’re feeling doesn’t have to be a big, serious moment. It can be as casual as chatting while fishing, farming, or watching a footy game. The goal is to make it a regular part of your routine—something you’re comfortable with.’
Here’s a thought-provoking question for you: If men were encouraged to talk about their health as naturally as they discuss sports or work, could we see a significant drop in preventable deaths? Dunkerton’s motto sums it up: ‘Before it all gets too much, talk to a mate.’ It’s a simple message, but one that could save lives. So, what do you think? Is the solution to men’s health crises as straightforward as starting a conversation? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your thoughts.
