Spanner in the Works

Sat, 11th August 2012

Author: Gary Green, Community Engagement Coordinator, Australian Men's Shed Association 

Many of us Aussie men are not very good at looking after ourselves physically or emotionally. Physically, if we have an ache or pain, our attitude is often that of "I'll battle through this" or "I'll wait a while and see if this gets better by itself". For most of us we get away with this most of the time. Only when the aches or pains or emotions are overpowering us do we make the decision to do something about it and get it checked out by a doctor or other Health Professional.

Health is complex - we can tend to become overwhelmed with information about our health. "Spanner in the Works" is an attempt to provide some key health messages to us men in a form that is understandable and achievable. "Spanner in the Works?" is not about telling men what to do but sets out some things that men can do (or not do) to improve their health and their chances of a longer and happier life. It gives men the opportunity to make adjustments as they see fit. Often minor adjustments can have a major impact on health, relationships with loved ones and friends and work.

To help to address this situation the Australian Men's Shed Association has put together a men friendly health screening and information project called "Spanner in the Works?". This program can be run until the end of 2012. The program has the following main aims:

• Provide some basic health screening and advice to men:
  • utilising the staff resources of the local health service
  • within the "men friendly" environment of the Men's Shed
  • referral on of men to health professionals (as appropriate)

• Provide "men friendly" health information and health awareness through the "Spanner in the Works?" booklet.
• Have local men and shedders engage with their local health service providers
• Have local men (non shedders) engage with their local Men's Shed
• Have local health service providers and local Men's Shed engage with each other

If your Men's Shed is interested then please contact me (details below) for further information and a registration form.

Gary Green
Community Engagement Coordinator
Australian Men's Shed Association
Email - gary@mensshed.net
Phone - 0428 133 546