Myrtleford Men's Shed has played host to a series of information sessions for its members surrounding men's pelvic and overall lifestyle health in recent weeks, in partnership with the Bright United Men's Shed and Yarrawonga Physiotherapy and Pilates, run by guest speaker, physiotherapist Amanda Baxter.
"The Myrtleford Men's Shed is always looking for speakers to help its members and any other men who are interested in identifying and talking about any problems they may have," shed treasurer, Clive Walker OAM said at last Thursday's meeting.
"Especially in our regional areas, where prostate, bowel, mental and heart issues seem to be more prevalent.
"[This is why] Amanda is having a four-week course with us to talk about various aspects of men's health and lifestyle.
"We invited members from the Bright United Men's Shed to join us, as well as our partners, as being typical men, information goes in one ear and out the other, or we're too deaf to hear to begin with.
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"We try to host an information event like this when we hear people are around and try to fit a meeting in, whenever we can arrange it."
Erectile dysfunction, urinary symptoms and chronic pelvic pain are surprisingly common and are often early warning signs of deeper health issues; including cardiovascular problems and poor mental health.
When these concerns are left unspoken, they can lead to stress, shame, relationship strain and long delays in getting the right help.
With advanced training in male pelvic health and years of experience as a public speaker, Ms Baxter is on a mission to bring these often-ignored issues out into the open, where they can be understood, managed and treated.
"Our first information session was a pelvic health seminar," she said.
"Today was the Life! Program, which focuses on diabetes prevention.
"The Men's Shed group has been great and meetings like this are great spaces to try to open up the conversation of lifestyle health with men as much as possible."
These sessions are not only for men; Ms Baxter has found when women are informed about these issues, they feel more confident initiating conversations with the men in their lives.
"If any sporting or other community groups would like to reach out, they're very welcome to get in touch and we can arrange a pelvic health session," she said.
For more information, visit: www.yarrawongaphysio.com.au or drop in to your nearest Men's Shed to start a conversation.
