Eric Cruz is on a mission to change the face of men’s health – and he wants you to join him.
Through his men’s lifestyle platform MANABOUTADL, Eric uses digital storytelling and social events to tackle stigma around mental health and wellbeing, and to boost civic pride.
Ahead of Men’s Health Week (MHW), June 10-16, Eric is imploring men and women to “check their engines’’, school up on preventable health problems, and reach out to one another.
“One of the biggest contributors to men’s mental health is social isolation,’’ said Eric, a Foster Care Support Worker at Centacare.
“There’s also the stigma that guys shouldn’t talk about their emotions.
“We want to be the change and let men know it’s ok to talk. Let’s get the conversation started fellas!’’
Men experience worse long-term health than women and die on average six years earlier. Australian Bureau of Statistics figures show deaths from suicide occur among males at a rate three times greater than that for females.
From Monday, MANABOUTADL will run an awareness campaign to highlight some of the biggest health issues and preventable problems faced by men to encourage fathers, brothers and friends to support one another, said Eric.
These key messages will be reinforced on Tuesday at Centacare’s MHW launch at Seaton which will raise funds for the Movember Foundation.
“Men don’t usually like to check their engines and attend GP appointments, so we will be highlighting the various health concerns that affect men such as prostate cancer and suicide,’’ Eric said.
“We want to enable our staff to be aware of the various health issues and to be hyperaware of the signs and symptoms when liaising with clients.
“It’s also a good reason to get together and celebrate the men in the organisation – and have a reason to be together!’’
Simple acts such as spending time with people who make you feel good, checking up on your mates and being an empathetic ear could make a world of difference, said Eric, who has supported friends and family through mental health challenges.
