There does appear to be something in the male psyche that stops them from going to a doctor for a health check, but I have noticed that men will queue up to get a health check if nurses or doctors actually carry out these checks at the workplace.

So perhaps carrying out more health checks at the workplace is a means of getting more men to undergo health checks.

Men pay for most of the health budget, and should be getting something back.

The other thing that is necessary is for an Office for the Status of Men, to help present a more complete picture of men and boys in society, and help overcome the denigration, bigotry and demonisation of men carried out by people such as university feminists.

The demonisation of men does have an impact on men’s lives, and does diminish their importance in society (which would be the main reason why so many feminists do it).

Awhile ago there was the concept that men took better care of their cars then they did of themselves, so there was a 10 point tune plan for men.

I was at my butcher's the other day. I noticed he was walking a little stiffly and asked after his health. He explained that he was suffering from sciatica, had been for 2 years, but only had it diagnosed last week.

I said there were straightforward exercises he could do that both helped to prevent and alleviated the pain. He replied that his doctor had given him a set of exercises to do and he was implementing them. I was able to tell him that I too suffered from the condition and that the last time I had a bad episode, I did the exercises and didn't even have to go to the physio.

Talking helps doesn't it? Good to see this article, but couldn't help notice the overlap of issues which are as pertinent to men as they are women. From the GP's advice to take a pill and rest, to overly expensive specialists to the problems of body image.

Time for men to be as human as the rest of us and seek help when they need and kudos to men like Peter West to speak out, thus encouraging others.

Another book is Lloyd Bradley's "The Rough Guide to Men's Health", published by Penguin. Too many books out there about building muscle and not much else (?). Come on guys, there are plenty of male writers and health experts and a huge market just waiting for you.

Severin,
"Time for men to be as human as the rest of us"

Would this be the all time clasic for a feminist supporter?

Men do seek medical help and do talk about any medical problems, if the environment is suitable enough.

Why does discussion of men's issues always come back to health? Sure health is important but what about the well-being part, quality of life, living a good life and so on?

They are thinking and emotional beings, not just, so what about a little philosophy thrown in? What is it like to be a male, how could life be improved for them etc?

Talk with older men and they say that they often felt alone because they were always encouraged to be 'independent', which was interpreted as standing on their own fee without the help or support of others. That is a hard row to hoe. Similarly men have to be a 'success', but the traditional definition of success is locked in with work, keeping a family and material things. OK stuff I suppose but where is the man, the human, in there?

What I am saying is isn't it time to think outside the box, not by re-visiting feminist constructs of masculinity (a blind gully if ever there was one), but by a practical (and men are very practical) look at how life can be made better and more enriching for boys, male youth and men?

Don't men feel the need to kick over the traces and carve out a better future?

James: <"Awhile ago there was the concept that men took better care of their cars then they did of themselves, so there was a 10 point tune plan for men.">

NSW had a health program called Pit Stop - sounds like the same thing James.

Anyway - good article.