Men are notorious for keeping quiet about their health, but an initiative running in the west is hoping to get men talking.
The Western Bulldogs officially launched their Sons of the West initiative last week to prepare for 16-week programs to improve the health of men in Brimbank, Melton and other western suburbs.
The programs begin on March 7, with different dates for each region.
Some of the biggest names in Bulldog history, including Doug Hawkins, Tony Liberatore and Scott West, are supporting the program.
Participants can access free health checks, exercise sessions, cooking classes and counselling, and hear from leading doctors, trainers and dietitians.
Men who sign up will be given a free three-game Bulldogs membership, discounted entry to the EJ Whitten game and, on completion, a free Bulldogs’ guernsey.
The program, now entering its second year, began after the release of statistics showing men in Melbourne’s west have some of the poorest health records in Victoria.
In Brimbank, about 200 men registered for the program last year, and 170 had free health checks.
More than 1000 other men registered for the program last year across western areas including Wyndham, Hobsons Bay and Maribyrnong.
A Western Bulldogs spokesman said they expected to double those numbers this year. Brimbank’s sign-up is from 2-4pm, March 15, at Sunshine Leisure Centre.
For more details visit www.sonsofthewest.org.au.
