Port Adelaide star Robbie Gray says tough is not enough to stay healthy

From one tough guy to all the others, Port Adelaide star Robbie Gray is telling blokes to man up and stay healthy.

The Men’s Health Week ambassador, who had testicular cancer last year, is urging men not to be complacent about their health. “If you’re not feeling well, don’t ignore it – get a doctor to give you a check-up,” he said yesterday. “I know from experience how important early detection is.”

SA Health chief medical officer Paddy Phillips said Men’s Health Week, which began yesterday, was about raising awareness of health problems men faced and encouraging them to take steps towards prevention and early detection.

“Simple things like getting enough sleep, not smoking, eating well and being active can dramatically improve overall health and that benefits not only yourself, but also your family,” he said.

Men’s health researcher Dr Sean Martin, of the Freemasons Foundation Centre for Men’s Health, at the University of Adelaide and SAHMRI, said part of the solution should be in better equipping doctors to engage with men.

“We need to get better at asking men the relevant questions — on topics like their sleep, urinary and sexual health,” he said.

This story was reproduced with permission from The Advertiser. Picture: Matt Turner.