Barefoot Bowls - March 2018
WHAM is reminding everyone that men's health matters.
The Wingecarribee Health Association for Men (WHAM will hold its Bowling for Men's Health fundraiser in conjunction with Highlands Tenpin at Mittagong on March 18.
Chairman of WHAM Peter van Dort said he encouraged all Highlanders to take part in an entertaining night in support of local men.
Mr van Dort said WHAM was proud of the service it provides for Highlands men for the past 15 years. The Bowral Men's Shed was one of the first sheds in Australia and is still growing after 13 years. It has continued to support men who may feel a loss of social context, social isolation and personal relevancy.
Last year in conjunction with local members of the Schizophrenic Fellowship of NSW and support from the Veolia Mulwaree Trust, WHAM continued its Mentoring Program with the construction of the Sensory Garden at Berrima Cottage, the Mental Health unit of Bowral Hospital. Other endeavours include support groups for men as they encounter various stages of life including the loss of a job or the lessons in raising a family.
It could be a marriage break up, depression or just the pressure of modern life becoming too much.
One of WHAM's upcoming events will be the men's narrative project where local men will have the opportunity to tell their stories of negotiating challenging times, with the purpose of identifying the critical factor that made the difference.
With the success of the 2014 Bowling for Men's Health event participants will have to book in early for what will be a terrific night of fun again.
Phone 4871 1600 to register as an individual player or as a team of four to six players. Businesses can call Mr van Dort on 0418 223 696 to donate a prize or to Sponsor a Lane.
For more information go to www.wingecarribeehealthassociationformen.org
SHN 2/3/16
Men's Health Month 2015
Southern Highlands Men's Health Night Nov 9th 2015
Over 70 inquisitive men and women were informed and educated by Dr Nestor Lalak, Dr Stephen Barnett, Dr Joon Kim and Dr Stephen Della-Fiorentina in the magnificent new auditorium at St Jude’s Anglican Church in Bowral last Monday night, for the first in a series of talks being given by local Medical professionals during November.
The talks are once again being organised by the Wingecarribee Health Association for Men Inc (WHAM). WHAM was formed 15 years ago in an attempt to reduce the suicide rate in regional areas and their first initiative was the creation of one of the first Men's Sheds in Australia, therefore the world, in conjunction with the Bowral Uniting church. There have been other initiatives over the years, and the Southern Highlands Men’s Health Month is in its second year.
Dr Stephen Barnett alerted everyone to the fact that although most GPs are attractive, they are also useful as most people who have regular contact with a GP will live longer. GPs are the primary health co-ordinator and when needed, they can chart a course of action for individuals especially if they have regular contact. He reinforced the message of these month-long talks - that with an annual check up from your GP you are able to be on top of any possible problems.
Dr Nestor Lalak provided us with everything that we needed to know about the prostate, especially the fact that every symptom associated with the prostate did not mean cancer. He also explained the methodology used to determine the treatment, if prostate cancer was discovered. Ninety-three percent of men diagnosed with prostate cancer will be alive in 5 years time if it is detected early.
Dr Joon Kim entertained the gathering with an insight into the problems associated with rectifying skin cancers that had been allowed to go untreated. While Dr Kim demonstrated a tremendous ability to restore normality to a person who had been treated for malignant skin cancer, this can never replace early detection, reinforcing the need to establish a good relationship with a GP.
Dr Stephen Della-Fiorentina explored the journey you would take if you were diagnosed with the second commonest cause of death in men, cancer. He followed the path from the tests to identify the cancer, the possible treatments, their aims and their possible side effects for each of the treatments. The obvious message was “the earlier you discover the cancer the better”.Southern Highlands Men's Health Night Nov 9th 2015
Over 70 inquisitive men and women were informed and educated by Dr Nestor Lalak, Dr Stephen Barnett, Dr Joon Kim and Dr Stephen Della-Fiorentina in the magnificent new auditorium at St Jude’s Anglican Church in Bowral last Monday night, for the first in a series of talks being given by local Medical professionals during November.
The talks are once again being organised by the Wingecarribee Health Association for Men Inc (WHAM). WHAM was formed 15 years ago in an attempt to reduce the suicide rate in regional areas and their first initiative was the creation of one of the first Men's Sheds in Australia, therefore the world, in conjunction with the Bowral Uniting church. There have been other initiatives over the years, and the Southern Highlands Men’s Health Month is in its second year.
Dr Stephen Barnett alerted everyone to the fact that although most GPs are attractive, they are also useful as most people who have regular contact with a GP will live longer. GPs are the primary health co-ordinator and when needed, they can chart a course of action for individuals especially if they have regular contact. He reinforced the message of these month-long talks - that with an annual check up from your GP you are able to be on top of any possible problems.
Dr Nestor Lalak provided us with everything that we needed to know about the prostate, especially the fact that every symptom associated with the prostate did not mean cancer. He also explained the methodology used to determine the treatment, if prostate cancer was discovered. Ninety-three percent of men diagnosed with prostate cancer will be alive in 5 years time if it is detected early.
Dr Joon Kim entertained the gathering with an insight into the problems associated with rectifying skin cancers that had been allowed to go untreated. While Dr Kim demonstrated a tremendous ability to restore normality to a person who had been treated for malignant skin cancer, this can never replace early detection, reinforcing the need to establish a good relationship with a GP.
Dr Stephen Della-Fiorentina explored the journey you would take if you were diagnosed with the second commonest cause of death in men, cancer. He followed the path from the tests to identify the cancer, the possible treatments, their aims and their possible side effects for each of the treatments. The obvious message was “the earlier you discover the cancer the better”.
Over 70 inquisitive men and women were informed and educated by Dr Nestor Lalak, Dr Stephen Barnett, Dr Joon Kim and Dr Stephen Della-Fiorentina in the magnificent new auditorium at St Jude’s Anglican Church in Bowral last Monday night, for the first in a series of talks being given by local Medical professionals during November.
The talks are once again being organised by the Wingecarribee Health Association for Men Inc (WHAM). WHAM was formed 15 years ago in an attempt to reduce the suicide rate in regional areas and their first initiative was the creation of one of the first Men's Sheds in Australia, therefore the world, in conjunction with the Bowral Uniting church. There have been other initiatives over the years, and the Southern Highlands Men’s Health Month is in its second year.
Dr Stephen Barnett alerted everyone to the fact that although most GPs are attractive, they are also useful as most people who have regular contact with a GP will live longer. GPs are the primary health co-ordinator and when needed, they can chart a course of action for individuals especially if they have regular contact. He reinforced the message of these month-long talks - that with an annual check up from your GP you are able to be on top of any possible problems.
Dr Nestor Lalak provided us with everything that we needed to know about the prostate, especially the fact that every symptom associated with the prostate did not mean cancer. He also explained the methodology used to determine the treatment, if prostate cancer was discovered. Ninety-three percent of men diagnosed with prostate cancer will be alive in 5 years time if it is detected early.
Dr Joon Kim entertained the gathering with an insight into the problems associated with rectifying skin cancers that had been allowed to go untreated. While Dr Kim demonstrated a tremendous ability to restore normality to a person who had been treated for malignant skin cancer, this can never replace early detection, reinforcing the need to establish a good relationship with a GP.
Dr Stephen Della-Fiorentina explored the journey you would take if you were diagnosed with the second commonest cause of death in men, cancer. He followed the path from the tests to identify the cancer, the possible treatments, their aims and their possible side effects for each of the treatments. The obvious message was “the earlier you discover the cancer the better”.Southern Highlands Men's Health Night Nov 9th 2015
Over 70 inquisitive men and women were informed and educated by Dr Nestor Lalak, Dr Stephen Barnett, Dr Joon Kim and Dr Stephen Della-Fiorentina in the magnificent new auditorium at St Jude’s Anglican Church in Bowral last Monday night, for the first in a series of talks being given by local Medical professionals during November.
The talks are once again being organised by the Wingecarribee Health Association for Men Inc (WHAM). WHAM was formed 15 years ago in an attempt to reduce the suicide rate in regional areas and their first initiative was the creation of one of the first Men's Sheds in Australia, therefore the world, in conjunction with the Bowral Uniting church. There have been other initiatives over the years, and the Southern Highlands Men’s Health Month is in its second year.
Dr Stephen Barnett alerted everyone to the fact that although most GPs are attractive, they are also useful as most people who have regular contact with a GP will live longer. GPs are the primary health co-ordinator and when needed, they can chart a course of action for individuals especially if they have regular contact. He reinforced the message of these month-long talks - that with an annual check up from your GP you are able to be on top of any possible problems.
Dr Nestor Lalak provided us with everything that we needed to know about the prostate, especially the fact that every symptom associated with the prostate did not mean cancer. He also explained the methodology used to determine the treatment, if prostate cancer was discovered. Ninety-three percent of men diagnosed with prostate cancer will be alive in 5 years time if it is detected early.
Dr Joon Kim entertained the gathering with an insight into the problems associated with rectifying skin cancers that had been allowed to go untreated. While Dr Kim demonstrated a tremendous ability to restore normality to a person who had been treated for malignant skin cancer, this can never replace early detection, reinforcing the need to establish a good relationship with a GP.
Dr Stephen Della-Fiorentina explored the journey you would take if you were diagnosed with the second commonest cause of death in men, cancer. He followed the path from the tests to identify the cancer, the possible treatments, their aims and their possible side effects for each of the treatments. The obvious message was “the earlier you discover the cancer the better”.
Southern Highlands Men's Health Night Nov 16th. 2015
More than 100 of the men and women of the Southern Highlands were entertained last Monday evening when the second presentation of the Southern Highlands Men’s Health Month was conducted at the auditorium of St Jude’s Church in Bowral. Peter van Dort, Chairman of the Wingecarribee Health Association for Men Inc (WHAM), has been overwhelmed by the response from the local community to this latest initiative from WHAM.
Dr Grant Lewis GP spoke in great depth of the factors that a GP would consider when you present for an annual check-up. Whilst there are formats that are available for the GP to follow, by having a personal relationship with the individual he is able to customise this experience to focus on any changes that occur over time.
Dr Ann Parker delighted the audience with her warm and friendly nature that has been present during her 28 years of GP practice. With 40 per cent of her patients being men she believes that she has seen and heard everything, however one factor she did highlight was that the aging process leads to the lowering of testosterone in men which can lead to Osteoporosis.
Your heart and lungs are involved in transporting oxygen to your tissues and removing carbon dioxide, and problems with either of these processes affects your breathing. Dr Bill Quinn, cardiologist, once again entertained with his pragmatic approach to what is most likely causing a shortness of breath. With the heart beating at 72 beats a minute it only takes 25 years before the heart passes 1 billion beats, so it is understandable that the aging process can leave the heart gasping for breath. You can add to the heart’s load by some poor lifestyle choices, particularly smoking.
And while smoking was one factor that can add to a shortness of breath from a respiratory aspect, Dr Irshad Ali spoke of Asbestosis, in recognition of November also being Asbestosis Awareness Month. He noted that a potential health disaster can begin with only one small fibre of asbestos, and that asbestosis has a latency period of over 20 years. With DIY renovations enjoying a resurgence, and with a lot of renovators being young people, he wanted the audience to spread the message not to play renovation roulette.
All four doctors enjoyed a robust question and answer period before enjoying refreshments with their audience.
More than 100 of the men and women of the Southern Highlands were entertained last Monday evening when the second presentation of the Southern Highlands Men’s Health Month was conducted at the auditorium of St Jude’s Church in Bowral. Peter van Dort, Chairman of the Wingecarribee Health Association for Men Inc (WHAM), has been overwhelmed by the response from the local community to this latest initiative from WHAM.
Dr Grant Lewis GP spoke in great depth of the factors that a GP would consider when you present for an annual check-up. Whilst there are formats that are available for the GP to follow, by having a personal relationship with the individual he is able to customise this experience to focus on any changes that occur over time.
Dr Ann Parker delighted the audience with her warm and friendly nature that has been present during her 28 years of GP practice. With 40 per cent of her patients being men she believes that she has seen and heard everything, however one factor she did highlight was that the aging process leads to the lowering of testosterone in men which can lead to Osteoporosis.
Your heart and lungs are involved in transporting oxygen to your tissues and removing carbon dioxide, and problems with either of these processes affects your breathing. Dr Bill Quinn, cardiologist, once again entertained with his pragmatic approach to what is most likely causing a shortness of breath. With the heart beating at 72 beats a minute it only takes 25 years before the heart passes 1 billion beats, so it is understandable that the aging process can leave the heart gasping for breath. You can add to the heart’s load by some poor lifestyle choices, particularly smoking.
And while smoking was one factor that can add to a shortness of breath from a respiratory aspect, Dr Irshad Ali spoke of Asbestosis, in recognition of November also being Asbestosis Awareness Month. He noted that a potential health disaster can begin with only one small fibre of asbestos, and that asbestosis has a latency period of over 20 years. With DIY renovations enjoying a resurgence, and with a lot of renovators being young people, he wanted the audience to spread the message not to play renovation roulette.
All four doctors enjoyed a robust question and answer period before enjoying refreshments with their audience.
Southern Highlands Men's Health Night Nov 23rd 2015
What is “mental health”? What is it to “be a man”? Depression/Anxiety: What are they? These were the questions asked of the 100 people who attended the third forum in the Southern Highlands Men’s Health Month last Monday in the auditorium of the St. Jude’s Anglican Church in Bowral.
Dr Geoff Sparkes of the Moss Vale Medical Centre feels that Mental Health is integral to being “well” as much as physical health and social stability, and as GPs are the primary care provider they should be vigilant and ready to treat mental health issues if they occur. Once again he showed his passionate concern for the men around him as “overall mental health pathology has a greater burden on society than cancer and heart diseases”.
Barry Taylor said most men are hard pushed to define “What is it to be a man?” Barry, who is the Manager of Mental Wellbeing and Suicide Prevention in the South Western Sydney Local Health District, has worked in suicide prevention for 29 years. He believes men are continually trying to understand what our society and culture says it is to be a man and it is only in a lived experience of being a man that we can decipher the question-i.e. we learn it from other men. He shared a vision for men’s well-being – men who are confident and grounded, secure in their identity, celebrating of their maleness and actively involved in the development and well-being of themselves and their family.
Psychiatrist, Dr Angelo Virgona identified the differences between Depression and Anxiety and what they are and what forms they can come in. He explained what makes us vulnerable and they include genetics, personality, and phase of life, illness and pain. He also considered alcohol, lack of sleep and being male can contribute. The preventative measures available were to eat well, to exercise, to sleep well and not to drink (much). Your first defence was to see your GP.
What is “mental health”? What is it to “be a man”? Depression/Anxiety: What are they? These were the questions asked of the 100 people who attended the third forum in the Southern Highlands Men’s Health Month last Monday in the auditorium of the St. Jude’s Anglican Church in Bowral.
Dr Geoff Sparkes of the Moss Vale Medical Centre feels that Mental Health is integral to being “well” as much as physical health and social stability, and as GPs are the primary care provider they should be vigilant and ready to treat mental health issues if they occur. Once again he showed his passionate concern for the men around him as “overall mental health pathology has a greater burden on society than cancer and heart diseases”.
Barry Taylor said most men are hard pushed to define “What is it to be a man?” Barry, who is the Manager of Mental Wellbeing and Suicide Prevention in the South Western Sydney Local Health District, has worked in suicide prevention for 29 years. He believes men are continually trying to understand what our society and culture says it is to be a man and it is only in a lived experience of being a man that we can decipher the question-i.e. we learn it from other men. He shared a vision for men’s well-being – men who are confident and grounded, secure in their identity, celebrating of their maleness and actively involved in the development and well-being of themselves and their family.
Psychiatrist, Dr Angelo Virgona identified the differences between Depression and Anxiety and what they are and what forms they can come in. He explained what makes us vulnerable and they include genetics, personality, and phase of life, illness and pain. He also considered alcohol, lack of sleep and being male can contribute. The preventative measures available were to eat well, to exercise, to sleep well and not to drink (much). Your first defence was to see your GP.
Southern Highlands Men's Health Night Nov 30th. 2015
Dr Terry Flynn, the patron of the Wingecarribee Health Association for Men Inc. (WHAM), was excited to see over 100 men and women at the St Jude’s Church auditorium in Bowral last Monday evening for the fourth and final talk for the Southern Highlands Men’s Health Month.
The response from the community has been overwhelming and its demand for more has provided WHAM with an enormous boost of encouragement.
Dr Vince Roche spoke first on what was a very busy night with a talk on Men and Exercise and noted that Dr Flynn had benefited from having a healthy exercise regime, when he was involved in a nasty car accident a couple of years ago, which added in his survival and recovery.
Dr Simon Grant pointed out that Australia is facing a silent pandemic of Diabetes as a result of the aging population, rising obesity, dietary changes and sedentary lifestyles. With over 1 million already diagnosed, this will rise to 3 million in ten years unless detected early. Serious complications can result from elevated blood glucose and they are largely preventable with early detection and treatment.
Dr Shirhan Ho introduced various Bariatric procedures that are used to assist in the fight against Obesity. Whilst 30 minutes of strenuous exercise will burn off 300 calories, a single candy bar can contain 200-300 calories. So while restricting your calorie intake will cause a weight loss and exercise will help you maintain that loss, sometimes you have to look to other methods of helping with reducing that caloric intake.
Who would have thought that seeing a dentist would be such an entertaining event however Dr Patrick Meaney did just that when he introduced Dental Health for Men. While only 57% of men would have visited a dentist in the last 12 months they usually visit for a problem and are more likely to lose teeth to decay. So it is no wonder everyone seemed to have a question.
Once again the take away message from this year’s event was to establish an early relationship with our health professionals as this will usually prevent any substantial surprises later.
Once again WHAM is indebted to this endeavour of education that has been initiated by the local professional Medical Community and there is a great desire for it to continue. With feedback on the numerous subjects that people are interested in hearing about, WHAM will be working towards more information nights and a Tenpin Bowling fundraiser in the new year. Check out all the details on www.wingecarribeehealthassociationformen.org
Dr Terry Flynn, the patron of the Wingecarribee Health Association for Men Inc. (WHAM), was excited to see over 100 men and women at the St Jude’s Church auditorium in Bowral last Monday evening for the fourth and final talk for the Southern Highlands Men’s Health Month.
The response from the community has been overwhelming and its demand for more has provided WHAM with an enormous boost of encouragement.
Dr Vince Roche spoke first on what was a very busy night with a talk on Men and Exercise and noted that Dr Flynn had benefited from having a healthy exercise regime, when he was involved in a nasty car accident a couple of years ago, which added in his survival and recovery.
Dr Simon Grant pointed out that Australia is facing a silent pandemic of Diabetes as a result of the aging population, rising obesity, dietary changes and sedentary lifestyles. With over 1 million already diagnosed, this will rise to 3 million in ten years unless detected early. Serious complications can result from elevated blood glucose and they are largely preventable with early detection and treatment.
Dr Shirhan Ho introduced various Bariatric procedures that are used to assist in the fight against Obesity. Whilst 30 minutes of strenuous exercise will burn off 300 calories, a single candy bar can contain 200-300 calories. So while restricting your calorie intake will cause a weight loss and exercise will help you maintain that loss, sometimes you have to look to other methods of helping with reducing that caloric intake.
Who would have thought that seeing a dentist would be such an entertaining event however Dr Patrick Meaney did just that when he introduced Dental Health for Men. While only 57% of men would have visited a dentist in the last 12 months they usually visit for a problem and are more likely to lose teeth to decay. So it is no wonder everyone seemed to have a question.
Once again the take away message from this year’s event was to establish an early relationship with our health professionals as this will usually prevent any substantial surprises later.
Once again WHAM is indebted to this endeavour of education that has been initiated by the local professional Medical Community and there is a great desire for it to continue. With feedback on the numerous subjects that people are interested in hearing about, WHAM will be working towards more information nights and a Tenpin Bowling fundraiser in the new year. Check out all the details on www.wingecarribeehealthassociationformen.org