Men and young boys are being encouraged to take preventative action on their health, in an effort to minimise the risk of developing problems later in life.
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Heart disease is responsible for nearly 13 per cent of deaths in Australian men, with almost 75 per cent of men considered overweight or obese.
As part of Men's Health Week, Tasmania chief executive Graeme Lynch said it was important for all males to consider their risks.
"Men aged 18 to 34 are more than twice as likely than their female counterparts to have four or more risk factors of heart disease," he said.
"The theme of this year's Men's Health Week is keeping boys and men healthy.
"We're focusing on what males of any age can do to minimise their risk of developing heart problems later in life."
Mr Lynch said it was important for men to act as role models for their loved ones.
"We know that children tend to tag along for the ride when a parent makes an effort to live a healthier lifestyle," he said.
Steps to reduce the risk of developing heart disease
- Get a heart health check: A new Medicare-funded heart health check is available to all Australians. If you're over 45, or over 30 if you're Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, arrange one today. Your doctor will look at a range of factors about your heart health and help you devise a plan to stay well.
- Be more active more often: More than 81 per cent of Australian men do not meet physical activity guidelines. You should be active on most days of the week, and preferably all, aiming for at least 2.5 hours of moderate physical activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity each week.
- Eat a heart-healthy diet: A healthy eating pattern doesn't focus on one type of food or one particular nutrient. Heart-healthy eating relies on a combination of foods, chosen regularly, over time. A good pattern gives us food that is low in saturated and trans fats, salt and added sugar, and rich in wholegrains, fibre, antioxidants and unsaturated fats.
- Quit smoking: Smoking is one of the major risk factors for heart disease, not to mention a host of other health problems. Take action now to quit.
Men's Health Week runs from 10 to 16 June 2019. For more information visit menshealthweek.org.au or heartfoundation.org.au.