MEN often take care of their machinery but seldom remember to take care of themselves and their health.
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The initiative Spanner in the Works? by the Australian Men's Shed Association urges men to get their annual check ups done.
The initiative is being celebrated as part of Men's Health Week, which runs from June 10 to June 16.
Stawell Men's Shed chaplain Terry Dunn said men were usually reluctant to see a doctor.
"Men's sheds have proven to be a great ground-breaker for stirring men into action," he said.
"In each shed you find someone who has had health problems, and they become a expert in that. In a way, they encourage others to get checked so they do not go through same."
Mr Dunn gave the example of when Stawell Men's Shed day time leader John Bradley started a prostate cancer support group following the support from the shed.
"It is a conversation starter. You will find they support each other, whether it is serious one or just a common cold. It cuts out a lot of that bravado that goes through men," he said.
He said the root cause for men not consulting a doctor was deeply ingrained in traditional attitudes.
"Men have always been raised traditionally to be big and tough. It's almost seen as weak for men to cave in and be crook," he said.
Wimmera Primary Care Partnership executive officer Geoff Witmiz said the program would conduct a basic health check-up.
"It aligns with Men's Health Week because it's about men looking after themselves. Women do it very well but men tend to be a little relaxed," he said.
Mr Witmiz said there were 23 men's sheds across the Wimmera, He also said there would be events for Men's Health Week in Edenhope, Harrow, Murtoa and Rupanyup among others.
He said these sheds provided a safe environment for men to share their problems.
"We have lot of stresses in life, they are the indicators. The shed is where people can get together and talk about their health," he said.
Ararat Men's Shed president George Swetman said men largely neglected their health.
"A lot of them don't worry about it. They see a doctor only when something goes wrong. Not necessarily before that," he said.
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