The countdown is on…

November 28, 2012

With only a couple of days left in November it’s highly likely that you are no longer looking suspiciously at everyone with a moustache and wondering if they are part of Movember, you’re just assuming everyone is. Or you may be a willing, or unwilling participant counting down the hours until the big shave.

While some are boasting impressive Merv Hughes-style handlebars, some have achieved only the slightest bit of fluff, much to the delight of their friends, but no matter how the facial hair has gone, it’s important to remember the serious side of Movember.

This great initiative has over 142,000 Australian men raising the awareness of men’s health this month, in particular prostate cancer and men’s mental health. According to accredited Exercise Physiologist, Sebastian Buccheri most men aged between 30 and 60 are not very physically active because of work and family commitments resulting in a range of health problems.

“One of the biggest reasons for supporting a cause like Movember is that as Exercise Physiologists, we know the importance of staying healthy and the direct benefits of exercise in the management of and prevention of many chronic and complex diseases,” says Mr Buccheri who has cultivated a ‘mo’ himself to support the cause.

“My colleagues and I come across depression in about 70 per cent of male pain management clients. I have seen firsthand the benefits a biopsychococial approach which means combining exercise and psychological intervention has on managing depression. There is also an overwhelming amount of evidence that links exercise to cancer prevention.”

“Exercise is not only essential in the treatment and prevention of chronic disease but can significantly improve other areas of a man’s life including mental alertness, muscle strength and even a better sex life. There are countless studies which confirm that sexual dysfunction is far more likely among those with poor physical health and that vigorous exercise provides the best results.”

Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA) are also keen supporters of the Movember initiative as it is closely aligned with their mission to increase the level of activity of Australians and programs such as ‘Exercise is Medicine’ which encourages doctors to prescribe exercise as a part of treatment for chronic diseases.

ESSA Executive Officer, Anita Hobson-Powell, says the month-long campaign which raised over $124 million worldwide last year, serves as an excellent reminder for Australian men to consider their current physical activity and challenge themselves to up the ante.

“It’s really positive that men’s health is put under the spotlight in this way and we have encouraged our members to get on board as it really aligns with our drive to increase physical activity of all Australians,” said Ms Hobson-Powell.

“We always recommend an exercise training program is written and delivered by someone with the appropriate qualification and experience to manage a patient’s specific requirements as one size does not fit all and there may be risk of complications.”

To find your local accredited exercise physiologist please visit www.essa.org.au. You may also be entitled to Medicare funded treatment sessions. Please see your GP for referral.

Ends.

For further media information, please contact Maya from Fresh PR & Marketing on 0410 109 102 or email maya@freshprm.com.au.

For additional photos and graphics head to the Movember ‘Media Room‘.

Top tips for the benefits of regular exercise in men’s health:
– Helps reduce weight and risk of many chronic diseases (cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and cancers).
– Helps reduce and/or control high blood pressure.
– Reduces heart disease and stroke.
– Improves sex life.
– Aids in the treatment of depression.
– Improves productivity and mental alertness.
– Improves muscles strength and endurance.
– Can prevent cognitive decline and delay the development of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

ABOUT ESSA

Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA) is the peak professional body for exercise and sports science in Australia, and provides national leadership and advocacy on key issues. ESSA supports its 3,500+ members and the community by fostering excellence in professional practice, education, training and research.
Website: www.essa.org.au

ABOUT EXERCISE IS MEDICINE®

Exercise is Medicine®, as an initiative of Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA), aims to make physical activity and exercise a standard part of a disease prevention and treatment paradigm in Australia, improving community health and reducing long-term health care costs. The program hopes to make every Australian doctor consider physical activity and exercise as a standard part of treatment programs, resulting in more prescribed exercise for the prevention or treatment of chronic conditions.

The three guiding principles of Exercise is Medicine® Australia are designed to improve the health and well being of all Australians through regular physical activity prescription from doctors and other allied health providers. The guiding principles include:
· Physical activity and exercise are important to health, and to the prevention and treatment of many chronic diseases;
· More should be done to address physical activity and exercise in health care settings; and
· Doctors should support the referral of patients to appropriately trained allied health professionals to deliver exercise treatment services.

Official Media Spokesperson for this release:

Sebastian Buccheri
National Director – Exercise Physiology
Accredited Exercise Physiologist
Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA)
E: sebastian.buccheri@essa.org.au
P: 0411 201 908

Anita Hobson-Powell
Executive Officer
Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA)
327 Sandgate Road Albion QLD 41010
E: Anita.Hobson-Powell@essa.org.au
P: 07 3862 4122 M: 0400 519 800

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