THE poor health prognosis for men in Towong Shire has prompted the staging of a special forum on Tuesday night.
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The Corryong Men's Shed organised the evening, after female treasurer Glenda Haberecht suggested action was needed.
Data shows that men in Towong Shire have one of the lowest attendance rates at doctors and one of the highest incidence of cardiac arrest with a poor outcome.
Men's Shed secretary Keith Honey said he hoped the gathering would spark changes in male health.
"The health situation for the Towong Shire area is not known for its greatness," Mr Honey said.
"We've been losing health services and all that we can do to help and maintain our area will be good."
The Men’s Shed has organised the event in partnership with Upper Murray Health and Community Services and Corryong Lions Club.
It will be held from 7pm Tuesday at the Lions Youth Club Hall at Corryong.
![Time to get fit: Corryong Men's Shed secretary Keith Honey and president Ray Waters are gearing up for a night focusing on masculine health. Time to get fit: Corryong Men's Shed secretary Keith Honey and president Ray Waters are gearing up for a night focusing on masculine health.](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/XJLgPnEdnKaFugZzKyL6Sw/097a4c6c-2638-4ae3-aa79-c9889684c21d.jpg/r0_37_407_602_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
There will be three guest speakers – retired psychologist Noel Braun from mental health organisation beyondblue, Nathan Bibby from Sons of the West men’s health program and Roni Beauchamp from Heart Foundation Victoria.
Ms Beauchamp, who is Mr Honey's daughter, has been working with Towong Shire Council in recent months to promote better cardiac conditioning among the residents of the local government area which extends from Bethanga to Walwa to Mitta.
Mr Bibby manages the Sons of the West program which is aimed at tackling health problems among the men of the western suburbs of Melbourne.
It operates under the auspices of the Western Bulldogs AFL club.
Mr Bibby said the aim of his work is to “help men in the west live better, eat better and get back into the game of life”.
“Sometimes it’s the smallest changes that make the biggest differences," Mr Bibby said.
District doctors and specialist Upper Murray Health and Community Services will also be in attendance on the night to answer any questions.
The event is aimed at informing teenage boys and men of all ages about their wellbeing but wives and partners are welcome to accompany them.
Admission is free but a gold coin donation toward beyondblue would be appreciated.
There will also be a monster raffle draw on the night and tickets are on sale at district businesses.
Mr Honey said $2000 was expected to be raised via the raffle with proceeds going to health services.
We've been losing health services and all that we can do to help and maintain our area will be good.
- Men's Shed's Keith Honey