|
Man Model proves to be a winner in British Columbia. I have returned from a successful trip to the North Okanagan Health Region of British Columbia, Canada. Over the two-week period I presented to over 1070 people in the North Okanagan Health Region, programs of our MAN Model of Health Promotion. The sessions provided guidance on addressing the issues of, and the importance of, Health Promotion, Early Intervention and Health Education for men, adolescents, health practitioners and in the workplace. My one to three hour sessions targeted over:
I have collected over 800 response questionnaires from all these groups, which will provide an insight into their issues in regards to men's and adolescent health and the issues faced by Health Practitioners. It also provides feedback on their response and willingness to adopt the MAN Model of Health Promotion to assist in the process of dealing with issues regarding early intervention and health education in the community. Even with the concept of Primary Care Partnerships since the 1980's the Health Service has failed to address the fundamental issues of health promotion and education for men and adolescents. It is very proactive in the area of Women's and Children Health and the medical model of health but not early intervention other than their very successful immunisation programs. Their system fails to recognise the value of Early Intervention, Health Education and identifying those issues faced by different population groups especially those not in the Health System and who have not presented with symptoms. The Burden of Disease status clearly indicates in Canada as well as in Australia that all population groups are at risk from either disease related illness or wellbeing and mental issues. The value of providing skills to reduce risks, especially in the area of men and adolescent health, is and should be an important aspect of the role of Health Services to reduce the Burden of Disease on their population. Burden of Disease is also a growing concern for women and more education beyond female cancers should be an important aspect of the Health Service agenda. The Sessions I presented and the opportunity I provided for health practitioners highlighted for them the issues that need to be addressed for a improvement in the health status of their region. The Man Model of Health Promotion was seen as achievable and desirable process to support that change. In the very important area of Adolescent Health, School Teachers, School Administration and School Welfare Workers were very impressed not only with the content of our Lifeskills Program, but also the response from the sample group of over 250 students. The area of Depression and how it was presented to the students was resoundingly applauded. Doctors and Health Workers were also accepting of the value of providing a component in their Practices of an early intervention model of health. They could see the value of Health Practices such as Workplace Health Programs and Community Education and Screening Programs, in the long term reducing the risks for adolescents, men and women. In the Doctor Sessions in the second week a local doctor had already seen 3 clients based on phone calls to them from mates who had attended the Men's Health Night the previous week in a town 45 minutes drive away. He was taken back by the impact and response time that the message from the Night had. I hope to have a Full and Comprehensive Canadian Report based on the Findings and Evaluation of over 800 questionnaires within the next 2 months. It will demonstrate the value of providing such an opportunity for Community Health and Health Professionals in providing a better understanding of the value of men's and adolescent health. The value of awareness programs in helping to reduce risk. It will also provide a valuable insight into the importance of providing programs in the workplace. Several Principals have already canvassed the idea with the Region's Medical Officer of how they could assist the Health Service into the School System to provide Teacher Health Education. Their areas of concern were around Heart Disease, Stress and Lifestyle, which was the basis of our successful Workplace Health Program piloted in Victoria at Weeroona College, Bendigo and Bacchus Marsh Secondary Colleges and the City of Ballarat Works Depot. Australia and Canada have a very similar Health Status. There is also similar reluctance by Health Workers, due to volume of work, lack of skills and confidence and a perception of the inability to provide time within their day-to-day activities for Health Promotion activities. Programs that tackle Early Intervention and Health Education especially for those men and adolescents that don't present with symptoms or who are considered least at risk, these programs reduce their likelihood of future risk or minimise risk. Both Australian and Canadian Health Authorities do not clearly understand the value of men's health in respect to the importance of and level of women's health. Women's Health can only be maintained if their partners (85% have partners) are healthy and reduce their risk to Mortality and Morbidity. A woman who has to be the Carer of her male partner later in life due to his lack of health maintenance, will herself suffer a greater health risk in retirement (and before) due to the "burden of disease" - his disease and incapacity. This message was well received in Canada and was also related to all other issues of health education for men such as relationships, parenting, separation and early intervention in the area of child abuse and domestic violence, as well as their physical health. Women's Health and Wellbeing is well served by Healthy, Happier and "Wiser" male partners. This project would not have been possible without the foresight of Dr David Bowering North Okanagan Health Service Medical Officer. His CEO and the Board of the North Okanagan Health Service, the North Okanagan Health Staff, the support of their local Rotary Clubs and here in Australia, the support of the Hepburn Health Service where our Centre is located in Daylesford. The Canadian Report will be a valuable asset for future directions for Health Promotion especially in the area of Male and Adolescent Health not only for Canada but an example for Australia and other Western countries. Especially those that have a high premature rate of death and high morbidity rate for males. Bernard Denner If you would like any further information please do not hesitate to e-mail bernard@mannet.com.au or call 61 3 5348 3890 or mobile 0419 566 750. |
top
|
|
|
to go to the CAMH home page
|
