Men’s health concerns include erectile dysfunction, heart disease, prostate problems, diabetes, obesity and more.

Foundation 49 is a direct response to this health crisis affecting 49% of the population – and is dedicated to improving the health status of all men. Our vision is ‘to reduce the number of men dying from preventable conditions through raising health awareness and encouraging regular check-ups‘.

We are supported by a group of men’s health experts, including medical specialists and community health workers. Foundation 49 is an initiative of Cabrini Health Limited, and is funded solely through donations, fundraising activities and philanthropic grants.

So guys, remember to:

• Find a GP you are happy with
• Have an annual check up with your GP
• Know your body and what is normal for you
• Promptly check out any changes in your body with your GP
• Know the health risks for your age group, and what to do to reduce them

So why not have a go at the online men’s health check ? And have a look at our latest newsletter. We know you’ll find all sorts of interesting and useful information to help you stay healthy and well.

And Live long, Live well, Enjoy your health!

Grandfather, father and son at the beach with a kiteThe purpose of this website is to assist men of all ages, plus those who care for them, make more informed decisions about their own health. All information provided on this website is checked by Foundation 49 medical advisors. Foundation 49 does not host or receive funding from advertising.

Also, please note that the information on this website is designed to support and not replace the important relationship between you and your doctor. For medical advice please make an appointment and speak to your GP. If you do not have a GP go to www.healthengine.com.au to find one in your area.

Health Information

The information and services on this website assist men, their families and their doctors in four key areas of illness:

1. Cancer
2. Heart
3. Mental Health
4. Sexual Health

Inside these four sections you will find information on your risk of contracting a number of illnesses that are common in men. The Heart section has information on cholesterol and high blood pressure, for example, while the Mental Health section covers depression and anxiety, among other topics.

The information covers areas such as the incidence and causes of particular illnesses and diseases, plus what you can do to change your lifestyle that will reduce your risk of these illnesses.

It also includes the checks and screens that might be relevant for you if your doctor believes you are at risk of an illness, or if it is time for a routine check-up.

Checks such as the PSA test for prostate cancer and blood tests for measuring your cholesterol level are introduced and summarised to help men better understand their value and whether or not they should see their doctor for more information.

Encyclopaedia

The encyclopedia linked to from this website is provided by an independent organization and is, in fact, an online medical dictionary containing over 46,000 definitions for terms and names used in medicine and medical science.

Created by the University of Newcastle in the UK, it is called CancerWeb, although it covers a range of illnesses and treatments, not just those relating to cancer. From aspirin to Zoloft, or arthritis to zinc deficiency, the encyclopaedia represents a valuable reference to support your growing knowledge of your own health.

Lifestyle

The Lifestyle section of this website contains articles on smoking and alcohol consumption and their impact on health. It also contains information on food and physical activity; not only how dietary and exercise habits can put your health at risk, but also about healthful eating and activity to help you maintain wellbeing and reduce your risk of illness.

The information is designed to help all men play a more active role in their own health. While your doctor remains the most valuable resource in relation to your ongoing health and wellbeing, Foundation 49 aims to form a partnership with all men and their doctors, with the aim of raising awareness and ensuring a better health outcome for all Australian men.

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Saturday, 24 March 2012. Melbourne University, 442 Auburn Road, Hawthorn, Victoria, Australia.

Primary Learning Objectives

1. Describe the medical and political landscape of men’s health in Australia.
2. Identify new concepts in the management of advanced prostate cancer.
3. Implement a process to identify patients who require screening tests.
4. Recall the most common lifestyle factors today that affect men’s health.
5. Discuss the effects of ageing and its co-morbidities on the male reproductive system.

Speakers

• Dr Nathan Better – Cardiologist
• Dr Alex Chamberlain – Dermatologist
• Prof David de Kretser AC – Endocrinologist (& former Governor of Victoria)
• A/Prof Mark Frydenberg – Urologist
• A/Prof Mathis Grossmann – Endocrinologist
• Dr Jeremy Grummet – Urologist
• Dr Craig Hassed – General Practitioner
• A/Prof Doug Lording – Endocrinologist
• Dr Jamie McDonald – General Practitioner
• Prof Rob McLachlan – Endocrinologist
• Ms Cara McNeil – Physiotherapist
• Dr Daniel Moon – Urologist
• Dr David Oberklaid – General Practitioner
• A/Prof Gary Richardson – Medical Oncologist
• A/Prof Evange Romas – Rheumatologist
• Mr Mark Surdut – Dietician

Conference Program

Royal Australasian College of General Practitioners

This activity has been approved by the RACGP QI&CPD Program
Total 40 Category 1 points
Activity number: 759146

Foundation 49 Men’s Health Symposium 2012 Information for GPs

Foundation 49 Men’s Health Symposium 2012, Predisposing Activity

Conference Package

Registration: $100 (incl. GST)
$50 medical students
includes lunch, morning and afternoon tea

Sponsorship

If you would like to enquire about sponsorship packages for the Foundation 49 Men’s Health Symposium, please contact the Foundation 49 office on 03 9508 5363, or email your enquiry to admin@49.com.au.

The organisers gratefully acknowledge the support of our Gold Sponsor:

General Information

How to Register

Please complete the Foundation 49 Men’s Health Symposium 2012 Registration Form and keep a copy for your records. Your registration fee must accompany the Foundation 49 Men’s Health Symposium 2012 Registration Form. Payment can be made by personal or bank cheque made payable to Foundation 49 GP Education Symposium or by credit card (Mastercard, Visa or Amex). Faxed registration forms are acceptable only if payment is by credit card. A tax invoice/receipt will be issued.

Cancellation & Refund Policy

All cancellations must be made in writing to the Symposium Secretariat. Cancellations made before 16 March 2012 will be refunded. Cancellations after this date will be charged a 50% cancellation fee.

Trade Exhibition

A trade exhibition by our supporters will be run throughout the duration of the Symposium.

Conference Secretariat

Ms Jackie Meiers – Public Relations Manager – Cabrini Health

Tel: (03) 9508 1915 Fax: (03) 9508 1041 Email: jmeiers@cabrini.com.au

Parking

Free on-site undercover parking is available at the venue, enter via Robinson Road.

Getting There

The organisers have great pleasure in inviting you to attend this comprehensive Symposium. The sessions will provide General Practitioners with information they are likely to need in their dealings with male patients and the broad range of men’s health issues.

Foundation 49 Men’s Health Symposium 2012 Registration Form

Foundation 49 Men’s Health Symposium 2012 Registration Form

Royal Australasian College of General Practitioners

This activity has been approved by the RACGP QI&CPD Program
Total 40 Category 1 points
Activity number: 759146

Foundation 49 Men’s Health Symposium 2012 Information for GPs

Foundation 49 Men’s Health Symposium 2012, Predisposing Activity

Getting There

More Information

Foundation 49 Men’s Health Symposium 2012 Registration Form

University of Melbourne, Hawthorn, public transport map

Access to Hawthorn Campus by car

• Street address is 442 Auburn Road, Hawthorn (Melway reference MAP 59 E2)
• Hawthorn campus comprises of one building only, with main entrance at Auburn Road taking you straight onto Level 1
• turn off Auburn Road into Woodburn Road, left into Robinson Road, then left again into our car park (parking is accessible 24hours a day and is free of charge)
• from the car park take the lift to Level 1E or 2E and follow signage to appropriate room
• or you can climb the stairs at the far end of the car park up to street level of Auburn Road, turn right and enter the main door (this is Level 1). Turn right to Reception, and follow signage to appropriate room. You can take the lift from here to Level 2 if required

Parking

Free on-site undercover parking is available at the venue, enter via Robinson Road.

Access to Hawthorn Campus via public transport

Travelling from Flinders Street by tram

• take Tram 70 or 75 all the way to stop 36 at the corner of Riversdale and Auburn Roads Hawthorn
• cross road to Little Real Estate corner and continue along Auburn Road in this direction to Hawthorn Campus – approximately 754m
• or take the 624 bus along Auburn Road to Hawthorn Campus – bus stops directly opposite our main entry on Auburn Road

Travelling from Flinders Street by train

• take any train to Auburn Station (Alamein, Belgrave, Lilydale and Ringwood lines)
• turn left into Auburn Road and continue on to Hawthorn Campus – approximately 1.32kms
• or take the 624 bus along Auburn Road to Hawthorn Campus – bus stops directly opposite our main entry on Auburn Road

or

• take train to Kooyong Station (Glenwaverly Line)
• walk up Glenferrie Road and under the freeway overpass
• turn right and walk along the bike path past the playing fields
• leave the bike path at Reserve Road and follow this road to the rear entrance of the Hawthorn Campus off Robinson Road or Woodburn Road – approximately 513m

The University of Melbourne, Hawthorn, public transport map

The University of Melbourne, Hawthorn Campus – Google Maps

More information about the Men’s Health GP Education Symposium, Melbourne, 2012

Physical fitness actually refers to the capability of the heart, lungs, circulation and muscles to perform at maximum efficiency so we can enjoy the best possible health and wellness. Physical fitness enables a lifestyle people who are unfit cannot enjoy.

• Fitness building blocks
• Other contributors to overall fitness
• How can we achieve physical fitness?

Fitness building blocks

The basic four components of physical fitness are:

• Cardiorespiratory endurance
  The ability of the heart, lungs, and circulation to deliver oxygen and nutrients to tissues and remove waste products over an extended period of time. Long distance running, cycling or swimming are often used to measure cardiorespiratory endurance.
• Strength
  The ability of a muscle or muscle group to exert force for a brief period of time. Different weight lifting exercises can measure upper and lower body strength.
• Muscular endurance
  The ability of a muscle or muscle group to sustain force for an extended period of time. For example, performing as many push ups as possible is a way to measure muscular endurance.
• Flexibility
  The ability to move joints and use muscles through their full range of motion. The sit-and-reach test is an example of how to measure flexibility in the hamstring muscles at the back of the thigh.

Other contributors to overall fitness

Other components of physical fitness include:

• Motor skills
  Agility, coordination, speed, balance, and reaction time are all considered important factors that help achieve optimal fitness and there are established ways to test and improve each of these different components.
• Body composition
  This is often considered as an indicator of fitness and refers to the ratio of lean muscle mass to body fat mass. Lowering body fat is widely recommended as a major goal of most exercise programs in order to improve overall fitness.

How can we achieve physical fitness?

A training program designed to improve physical fitness must therefore take each of the different building blocks into consideration. Understanding and improving each component of physical fitness will promote health and maximise our enjoyment of life.

• Improving cardiorespiratory endurance comes from incorporating aerobic activities such as walking, jogging, running, cycling or swimming into a program. It is generally recommended that at least 30 minutes of aerobic activity be performed on most days.
• Muscle strength and endurance are best developed by ‘resistance’ training, usually involving weights. For the best possible benefits, this type of exercise should be performed two to three times a week in order to maintain as well as build muscle size and strength.
• Improved flexibility comes from regularly performing stretching exercises that improve the range of motion.

Guidelines on exercise vary significantly, depending on the authority that’s making them. Many advocate for 30 minutes of moderate intensity activity (e.g. walking) on most days of the week. Others disagree, saying that it should be more like 60 minutes per day or longer.

So where do we start?

• Health benefits
• Getting and staying healthy
• Everyday activities

Health benefits

Clearly we need to encourage people to exercise, so appropriate guidelines are needed. On the other hand, we don’t want to set the bar too high because this might discourage some from even starting a physical activity program.

The recommendation for ’30 minutes per day’ of moderate activity is a good start because there are many health benefits from doing this amount of physical activity. These include reducing your risk for:

• heart disease
• stroke
• diabetes
• certain cancers, and
• high blood pressure (hypertension).

Studies examining the relationship between body weight, physical activity and mortality have found that being inactive can actually be more life-threatening than being overweight or obese.

Other health benefits may come from the fact that regular moderate physical activity appears to stimulate the immune system, improve insulin sensitivity and increase bone density, as well as other positive effects. These health benefits should send a strong message that everyone should strive to be active in some way.

Getting and staying healthy

For most of us, staying healthy is our number one priority. That means if we make a commitment to engage in 30 minutes of activity on most days (and remember that can be broken into three 10-minute sessions or two 15-minute sessions if you can’t manage 30 minutes straight), then we should be well on the way to better health and a lowered risk for certain diseases.

That doesn’t mean that doing more exercise is harmful. Far from it! Doing more exercise can have additional benefits, especially if weight loss is a goal. This is because to lose weight we need to ‘burn’ more kilojoules. To do this we can increase the intensity of the exercise by walking faster or walking for longer, or both.

The important thing is to be realistic about your goals and expectations. Most of us exercise because we know that it will have a positive impact on our lives – we’re not training for the Olympics! That means if we miss a day of exercise here and there, it really doesn’t matter. Be realistic and flexible in your approach to exercise and it won’t be a chore, it will just become a part of your lifestyle.

Everyday activities

Embrace every opportunity to become more active. Take the stairs instead of riding in a lift. Walk instead of driving, especially if you’re only going to buy milk from the corner shops. Encourage others to exercise with you – the entire family will benefit.

The take home message is simple – when it comes to activity and good health, every little bit helps.

If there is a treatable cause, like hormone deficiency or infection, then fertility may be improved by treating these.

In most men with a low count and poor quality sperm, there is no specific treatment. Couples often choose Assisted Reproductive Technology (IVF and ICSI) to achieve fertilisation. In men with no sperm, use of donor semen is available.

Where to get help

• your doctor
• fertility clinic
• family planning clinic
• public hospital.

Where couples appear normal, fertility problems are not investigated until they have tried to conceive, and failed, for about one year.