June 2023 - Atticus Health

Empowering Men for Lifelong Wellbeing

Posted on June 22, 2023July 3, 2023 by Nathan Onias

In a world where health concerns often take a back seat to work, responsibilities, and daily routines, Atticus Health has spearheaded a revolutionary initiative that is empowering men for lifelong wellbeing. The Atticus Health Men’s Health Check – “Check Your Balls” Initiative has not only created a movement for men to attend an annual health check but is also championing a lifelong commitment to self-care and peace of mind.

Empowering Men for Lifelong Wellbeing — Check your balls

A Paradigm Shift in Men’s Health

Traditionally, men have been hesitant to seek regular health check-ups, often dismissing subtle signs and symptoms that could indicate serious underlying conditions. However, the Atticus Health Men’s Health Check initiative has challenged this status quo, triggering a paradigm shift in men’s health awareness. By focusing on a specific aspect of men’s health, this initiative has captured attention and sparked conversations that will extend beyond Men’s Health Week.

Creating a Movement for Lifelong Well-being

The “Check Your Balls” Initiative is proving to be a catalyst for change, not just during designated awareness periods but throughout the year. Atticus Health recognises the significance of maintaining health vigilance beyond a single week, understanding that a yearly check-up alone is insufficient to address the evolving health needs of men. Atticus Health is fostering a movement that advocates for continuous care, encouraging men to proactively monitor their well-being for long-term peace of mind.

Empowering Men for Self-Care

One of the most remarkable aspects of the Men’s Health Check initiative is its emphasis on empowerment. One of our core values. Atticus Health recognises that providing accessible and comfortable avenues for men to prioritise their health is crucial to effecting real change. By offering comprehensive health check-ups that address both physical and emotional aspects of well-being, Atticus Health is creating an environment that encourages open dialogue, destigmatises men’s health issues, and inspiring men to take charge of their own care.

Promoting Mental and Emotional Well-being

The Men’s Health Check initiative extends beyond physical health by acknowledging the importance of mental and emotional well-being. The initiative incorporates mental health screenings and encourages open conversations about stress, anxiety, depression, and other psychological concerns. By addressing the holistic well-being of men, Atticus Health is empowering individuals to confront and overcome the challenges they face, nurturing a culture of emotional resilience and self-care.

Nurse Dayna with Dratticus - a school initiative

Driving Inspiring Outcomes

Through our commitment to ongoing men’s health check-ups, we’ve witnessed firsthand the positive impact this initiative has had on the lives of countless men. By catching potential health issues early, fostering preventive measures, and facilitating appropriate interventions, this movement is becoming a catalyst for transformative outcomes, helping men lead healthier, happier, and more fulfilling lives.

By creating a movement for lifelong well-being, Atticus Health is redefining the narrative surrounding men’s health, inspiring individuals to prioritise their physical and emotional well-being throughout the year. With the emphasis on empowerment, open dialogue, and holistic care, this initiative is not just promoting health screenings but also transforming lives and providing peace of mind.

Brett Thiedeman – Business Development Motivator

Driven by Soul

Unveiling the Secrets of the Blue Zones: Actionable Tips for Better Holistic Health

Posted on June 13, 2023June 13, 2023 by Jake Jackson

Men’s Health Week 2023 serves as a vital reminder to prioritise our well-being and make positive changes in our lives.

In my quest for better holistic health, I stumbled over some remarkable insights offered by Dan Buettner, in his book, “The Blue Zones.” The Blue Zones are regions of the world where people live exceptionally long, healthy, and fulfilling lives.

Dan’s influential work explores the lifestyles and habits of communities where people live remarkably long and healthy lives. By uncovering the secrets of these longevity hotspots, I hope to educate & offer men practical ways to enhance their own health and well-being.

“The Blue Zones” takes us on a journey across the globe, introducing us to communities such as Okinawa, Japan; Sardinia, Italy; Nicoya, Costa Rica; Ikaria, Greece; and Loma Linda, California. In each of these regions, individuals consistently reach age 100 at rates significantly higher than the global average.

What sets these communities apart? What can we learn from them?

Dan Buettner and his team identified nine commonalities, known as the “Power 9,” which contribute to the exceptional health and longevity observed in these Blue Zones. These principles encompass various aspects of life, from diet and physical activity to social connections and a sense of purpose. By incorporating some of these practices into your own lives, you can improve your overall health, reduce the risk of chronic diseases, and enjoy a higher quality of life.

I’ll delve into topics such as nutrition, exercise social connections, and finding purpose, all through the lens of the invaluable wisdom shared in “The Blue Zones.”

My hope is that by embracing the key lessons from these extraordinary places, you can start to shape your own path to vibrant well-being. It’s time to dive in, here are 5 actionable tips:

Cultivate Meaningful Connections: One of the fundamental lessons from the Blue Zones is the significance of strong social ties. Make time to engage in meaningful conversations, support one another, and build a network of reliable individuals who uplift and inspire you.
Actionable Tip: Initiate a regular social gathering, whether it’s a monthly game night, a book club, or a walking group. Nurture relationships that bring joy and fulfilment to your life.
Embrace a Plant-Powered Diet: The Blue Zones highlight the importance of a predominantly plant-based diet. Make vegetables, fruits, legumes, and whole grains the foundation of your meals. Minimise the consumption of processed foods, refined sugars, and unhealthy fats.
Actionable Tip: Experiment with incorporating more plant-based meals into your diet. Try new recipes, explore different cuisines, and discover the joy of nourishing your body with wholesome, plant-powered foods.
Move Naturally: Physical activity is an integral part of a healthy lifestyle. In the Blue Zones, people engage in regular, moderate exercise through daily activities. Embrace movement that comes naturally to you, such as walking, gardening, or cycling. Find joy in being active and make it a non-negotiable part of your routine.
Actionable Tip: Take a 30-minute walk each day, whether it’s during your lunch break, after dinner, or as a morning ritual. Invite a friend or family member to join you, making it a delightful opportunity for connection as well.
Prioritise Sleep: Quality sleep is essential for overall well-being. In the Blue Zones, people prioritise rest and relaxation, allowing their bodies to rejuvenate. Create a peaceful sleep environment, establish a consistent bedtime routine, and aim for seven to eight hours of sleep each night.
Actionable Tip: Establish a bedtime ritual that helps you unwind. Avoid electronic devices before bed, create a calm ambiance in your bedroom, and engage in relaxation techniques like reading, gentle stretching, or meditation.
Find Purpose and Passion: Living with purpose contributes to longevity and happiness. Discover activities that ignite your passion and provide a sense of fulfilment. Engage in work that aligns with your values, contribute to your community, and continuously seek personal growth.
Actionable Tip: Reflect on your values and interests, and explore how you can incorporate them into your daily life. Volunteer for a cause you care about, start a new hobby, or invest time in learning something new. Cultivate a sense of purpose that adds meaning to your existence.

As we move through Men’s Health Week 2023, I hope like me, you too can draw inspiration from the wisdom of the Blue Zones. By cultivating meaningful connections, embracing more plant based options, keep your body moving, prioritising sleep, and finding purpose and passion, we can pave the way for a healthier and more fulfilling life.

Remember, it is the small, consistent actions that yield amazing results. Take charge of your well-being and embark on this incredible journey toward lasting health and happiness.

Brett Thiedeman
Business Development Manager – Atticus Health

Why Don’t Men Visit The Doctor?

Posted on June 5, 2023July 3, 2023 by Jake Jackson

It’s Men’s Health Week from June 12 – 18 and leading up to that, we’re opening the conversation about how to support men to be healthier.

The reasons why men don’t visit the doctor largely come down to the perception of masculinity revolving around self–reliance, independence and being a protector and provider. Some of these emotions are likely to be contributed to by testosterone itself. And, like testosterone itself, these emotions have got their place and can be useful and positive in context.

The problem is, in the healthcare context, that a strong sense of self–reliance and independence can go too far for men, and they either neglect their health or are in denial about any problems.

The good news is that some of these stereotypes are starting to break down, and getting your health sorted by visiting the doctor, is being viewed as an important and smart thing to do by more and more men.

If you’re well, then it could just be about having a men’s health check with a GP. If you’ve got a concern about your health, then it’s about overcoming any tendency to deny that the problem exists and making that positive move to get it checked out.

The healthcare system in Australia is relatively advanced, and we have access to many treatments that can fix and prevent health issues. The most important thing is to detect issues and get them sorted early.

It’s worthwhile here to address a common rebuttal, “I just don’t have time”. Firstly, I do sympathise with the sort of busy lives our society is based on. Sometimes, we genuinely don’t get an opportunity to stop and reflect – the rat race. Nevertheless, it still comes down to setting your health as a priority. Simply, if you don’t prioritise health now, chances are, ill health may forcefully prioritise itself one day. The message is – get in there early guys and stay on track with your health.

So, what does a “Men’s Health Check” comprise? It’s a broad description of seeing a nurse and GP to consider your:

Mental health
Cardiovascular health (risk of having a heart attack)
Prostate concerns
Sexual dysfunction
Urinary problems
Weight management

We recently posted a podcast about Men’s Health. Feel free to listen and check out what’s going on with Men’s Health Week.

The most important thing is to take that step and see your GP to have a health check!

Men’s Health Week

Posted on June 1, 2023 by Jake Jackson

Brett Thiedeman
Welcome back to another episode of the street clinics podcast, where we put your well being first, I’m your host. I’m Brett. And today we have a very special episode lined up for you, as it’s Men’s Health Week, coming up in June, so from the 12th, to the 18th of June. So we’re going to dive in and talk about the importance of men’s health checks. We’re going to focus on that, particularly in the in the, in the workplace. And joining us today is our esteemed Managing Director and founder, Dr. Floyd guns, who has been on the podcast, but not for a while. So we’re looking forward to hearing from Floyd. And he’s a renowned expert in men’s health as well. So welcome to the show, Floyd.

Floyd Gomes
Thanks, Brett. It’s great to be here. It’s been a while time flies as it does. But let’s get straight into it. Because this is an important topic often neglected. Yeah, so Brett, as you’re saying, it’s Men’s Health Week.

Brett Thiedeman
Yeah, the 12th to the 18th of June coming up. So we thought we’d get on and have a chat. So thanks for your time. Do you want to just begin Floyd with sort of talking to us about, you know, the significance of men’s health checks? And, you know, you know, obviously, it’s a known thing these days that many men tend to neglect, you know, to have regular checkups. And as a result, you know, potential health issues can go unnoticed. And I’m sure you’ve got many examples of that. Are you able to shed some light on it?

Floyd Gomes
Yeah, absolutely, Brett, over the years, it’s, as you said, it’s a long-standing issue that men see the GP, less than women. And the reasons for that many. The thing about it, though, is as a general theme, it’s really hard to break. What we know is that when men come to the GP, there also needs to be an appreciation of, you know, how to how to connect with them, which is a little bit different to, you know, other patients at some level, there’s a lot of actual fear. And, you know, a bit of denial about going to the doctor, sometimes, because men see themselves in that rather individualistic manner, more or less, some often to say that they might be feeling that they need to provide for their family, and if they work out, something’s wrong, that’s going to detract from that and distract from that, and they don’t want to know, they feel like they need to keep going. So there’s an element of that. That fear that comes through and that sometimes leads to keeping the head in the sand, sadly, so,

Brett Thiedeman
So from your point of view, Florida, as I say, you know, you’ve obviously seen a lot of these patients coming through, you know, in your opinion, you know, how can we, you know, I guess, using from some examples of what would work, what works for you? How can we encourage men, to prioritize their health and come in and get a chair, can we break through some of these barriers that you just spoke about?

Floyd Gomes
Some of the issues of men sometimes are considered a bit taboo, you know, they feel a bit shy about really erectile dysfunction. Thinking about how to examine themselves for testicular cancer, there’s, of course, that old fear about getting a prostate rectal exam and things like this. And there are different sorts of places that sort of get a bit. You know, they’ve got to be brought out and talked about in a practical way. The other part is just to respect what’s important to someone and work out how to help someone see the benefits of coming in to see the GP to meet their goals in life and make that connection and help them make that connection. Men think more practically, in a bit more concrete, Lee, and as part of that, sometimes, analogies are used to think of your body as it as it were a car, getting a service and making sure you’re doing maintenance. So looking at things at their level. I think that’s fair enough, because, you know, that’s what they’re involved with. And that’s what a lot of the time might comprise thinking at that practical level.

Brett Thiedeman
Why don’t you give us an example? I know recently, you were approached by a football club. Do you want to just talk a little bit about that? And just break about it and that sort of how that happened? Because that’ll probably that’d be a good way to, to, I guess talk to the audience.

Floyd Gomes
Yeah, sure, Brett, I think this is a case that you need some champions to push for the cause. And in a group of men or anyone really need someone to sometimes lead the way. And Andrew Adams, affectionately known as pi. The bottom line is he, when he was president of that football club, Carrum Cowboys, he spearheaded some of these men’s health activities. And that actually went the distance. Ultimately, for some of those guys who came at Atticus Carrum, it was, for 10 years they’ve been coming, or close to. And that’s a remarkable thing. And there have been some really positive stories about picking things up early. And I suppose that’s where you can get those messages come through that, as opposed to denying problems which might be there, you may as well pick them up early, so you can do something about them and get back on track. You know, that’s the alternative view to sort of leaving your head in the sand. And that’s the message to get through.

Brett Thiedeman
Okay, that’s great. Probably just shifting over to, to workplace health, you know, something that occurs health and, you know, we’re involved with many, many men, you know, spend their time, obviously spend a significant time at work, and, you know, they’re often, you know, neglecting their well being, what advice would you give to employers, um, I guess, promoting a healthier work environment?

Floyd Gomes
Well, I suppose the first thing is to try to care. It sounds silly, but you know, it some level work and looking after themselves could be in conflict, if you work. And that environment gets you to be there, and your employer doesn’t seem to really care about your well being out of work. Well, those two things are a bit in conflict. So the first thing is to make an attempt to genuinely care, which I appreciate there’s lots of pressures being in charge of a company or running a factory. But nevertheless, if you show that care, then they’re likely to also care a bit more about their health. There’s different ways you can do that. Just that general sort of opportunity to promote healthy activities, see what you can do in the workplace to, you know, make it a non smoking environment, or help people get help themselves to deal with some of those issues.

Brett Thiedeman
What about the vending machines? The energy drink?

Floyd Gomes
Bump up the prices? It’s a win win, but not really, I think, if you care, then you’ll work out. So you’ve got to look at yourself as an employer and say, Well, you know, how do I show that I care? And we could come back to this. And so why should you care? Look, I think that for business to have a healthier workforce, in the fullness of time does pay back that business. So it is a win win, if you have a long term view.

Brett Thiedeman
Okay, so moving on to I guess the men that work in these businesses, you know, what, what advice would you give to them about how they can, how they you know, how they can go about prioritising their health?

Floyd Gomes
Well, as we said, it’s men’s health week coming up from the 12th to the 18th. So simply put, you can come in for a checkup and go from there. If you can first. Meet a doctor and work out where you’re at today. See if there’s any tests that would be reasonable to do, and then push on and get that checkup done and see what the present situation is, then you can set some goals from there to see what needs to be changed. I think it’s important to look for what is your inspiration and, and motivation to do all of that and look within yourself and, and work out you know, what, what are your goals for your life and 9 times out of 10, maybe 10 out of 10 You’ll find that being healthy really is an important part of most goals. Yeah. And whether that’s, you want to look after your family you want to you know, enjoy some of the hobbies you do whatever it is, generally, you know, being healthy and looking after your body fits into those goals. So, going from that point might be a good start. I’ll just quickly say a few words here, Brett, about what’s involved like when we talk about men’s health. You know, we can think about specific fake things, as we said, prostate cancer and getting screened for that. We can think about erectile dysfunction. We can think about any testosterone deficiency. You know, these days even going to gym, a lot of people use steroids and androgens and we can think about, you know, some education and sort of looking at the risks of that and understanding that. But there’s also all the general parts that really are heightened as a risk for men. And I’m talking about cardiovascular disease and having a heart attack, diabetes, all of these sorts of things, high blood pressure, generally more prevalent in men. And you know, even at that level, at that very basic lifestyle level, there’s really important conversations to have.

Brett Thiedeman
All right, well, that’s great. Before we wrap up, are there any final things that you’d like to say final thoughts that you give to the listeners?

Floyd Gomes
Well, I just think that, you know, if you are a man, and you’re listening to this, then really, that idea of just, you know, not getting involved with your health could really end up coming back to bite you. It’s important to as you go, care about your health and engage with it. You know, when you stop, and sometimes you put one foot in front of the other, you realize you realize the machinery of your body is actually an amazing thing. And every day we use it at work, at home at play. And oftentimes, it’s pretty much taken for granted. So to give it a chance and get involved with it and understand it, like you would your car at the end of the day. Have a go Men’s Health Week, June 12 to June 18.

Brett Thiedeman
All right. Thanks, Floyd. Thanks for joining us today and sharing your thoughts and your expertise on the issue. And to all the listeners. Thank you for listening to this episode, and make sure you tune in once again, and we will take care until next time.