When's the last time you had a service?
More often than not, it’s only when the aches, pains, or emotions get the better of us that we decide to get things checked out by our mechanic (our GP).
This platform is here to assist all men in looking after their mental and physical health.
Launched during Men's Health Week in June 2020, outlined below is a toolkit of local and national resources, including a series of videos from Ballarat-based health professionals.
What you need to know
Better Health Channel
The statistics aren't good, Australian men are more likely than Australian women to get sick from serious health problems. Find out more.
Men's Health Week Program - Introduction
Introduction from Ballarat Health Services CEO Dale Fraser
Connecting with your GP
Dr Malcolm Anderson
General Medical Practitioner
Malcolm Anderson has been a GP for over 45 years, working mainly in Rural Victoria and now, apart from other roles, working in the Ballarat Health Services GP Liaison Unit since its inception almost 11 years ago.
Smoking Cessation
Brett Vallance
Drug and Alcohol Nurse Practitioner
Ballarat Community Health Centre
Brett has been working in the field of drug and alcohol withdrawal for the last 17 years. On receiving his endorsement as a Nurse Practitioner in 2017 he commenced the Drug and Alcohol Nurse Practitioner Clinic at Ballarat Community Health. Through this clinic he supports people with smoking cessation.
The Importance of Exercise
Luke Evans
Exercise Physiologist
Exercise Therapy Department/Allied Health
Luke has 12 years’ experience as an Exercise Physiologist at Ballarat Health Services. This has included working across varies programs including Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation, Oncology Services as well as the BHS Staff Fitness Program.
Your mental health
Dr Sarah McKinnon
Senior Clinical Psychologist
Psychology Department, Ballarat Health Services
Dr Sarah McKinnon completed her Doctorate of Psychology Clinical at The University of Melbourne in 2001 and has worked in public health since the completion of her training as well as part time private practice. Sarah has worked across a range of programs at BHS, with her current programs including Community Rehabilitation, Oncology outpatients and the Why Wait for Wellness program.
Eating Well
Rebecca Nunes
Accredited practising Dietitian (APD)
Ballarat Health Services
Ballarat Regional Integrated Cancer Centre
Rebecca Nunes graduated from Deakin University in 1995 with a Masters in Nutrition and Dietetics. She has worked at BHS for over 20 years, specialising in her passion of Oncology for the past 15 years. Rebecca is a keen contributor to student teaching, and actively involved in clinical research within BHS and the broader Victorian oncology community. Rebecca is a strong advocate for the multidisciplinary management of nutrition related issues within the cancer population.
Your Feedback
National Men's Health Resources
Looking for a health service in your area? The National Health Services Directory is an online resource for locating health practitioners near you.
Mental Health Services and Support
See your GP for referral to a mental health professional.
Smoking Cessation
Read more about the health benefits of quitting smoking here.
This video shows the health benefits of stopping smoking.
Quit Victoria has helpful tools that can help you understand your smoking habits, and choose the best way to quit.
Ballarat Community Health also has local smoking cessation services.
Exercise and Men's Health Resources
Movember and Doctor Mike have done a great video about diagnosing and treating sitting disease. Watch it here.
Healthy Male
Healthy Male is a national organisation that provides easy access to the latest scientific and medical research on male reproductive and sexual health.
Men's Health Week Australia
Tips from Men's Health Week Australia for improving men's health outcomes:
- Be active in getting medical help if you don't feel well, have a problem that won't go away or notice unusual symptoms.
- It's OK to seek help - don't try to do everything on your own or bury problems. Talk to your family, friends and workmates.
- Push hard to get the help you need to manage your life, work, family and financial needs.
- Friends and families should be proactive in helping your men and boys get the help they and you need. Use available hotlines, speak with professionals to get the best course of action and be persistent.
- Don't leave it too late to seek help. Fear is not a killer.
COVID-19 Disclaimer
In response to the challenges and restrictions COVID-19 has presented, BHS is adapting with agility to offer digital resources and services. Our clinicians have filmed these videos themselves, on their own devices, which has allowed this resource to be produced promptly, without requiring face-to-face interactions. Please note, the media quality will reflect this.
Have something to tell us? We welcome all feedback from patients, family members or carers. Tell us more.