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Jennings warns men to be vigilant about their health - from the Minister for Environment & Climate Change
14 February 2010.
Having recently returned to work after suffering a heart attack, Environment, Climate Change and Innovation Minister Gavin Jennings today urged middle-aged men to be aware that no matter how healthy they think they are, they should have regular health checks.
Mr Jennings, who suffered a heart attack on December 11 last year and had two stents placed in one of his heart arteries during surgery at St Vincent’s Hospital, said too many middle-aged men took their health for granted.
"I am living proof that you can lead a healthy life and yet still suffer a life-threatening health issue," Mr Jennings said.
"I do not drink alcohol, do not smoke, my weight is in the healthy range and I exercise regularly. Yet my doctors have told me even if my lifestyle was healthier it would have made only a slight difference to me suffering the heart attack, as it was caused by a genetic condition.
"So the very best thing all men my age can do is to have thorough and regular health checks that would enable an underlying condition such as mine to be treated before it becomes a life-threatening issue."
Mr Jennings said his heart condition was the result of his genetic make up which caused plaque to form in an artery that supplies blood to the heart muscle and keeps it functioning properly.
"Heart attacks and many conditions such as diabetes or prostate cancer, become far more frequent in middle-aged men. So it is important men do not take their health for granted – it could cost them their life or at least quality of life," he said.
Mr Jennings was joined by AMA Victoria president Dr Harry Hemley who was visiting Health Minister Daniel Andrews in a neighbouring office when Mr Jennings had his heart attack and was one of the first people on the scene to attend Mr Jennings.
"Some men have a tendency to overlook what they consider minor health concerns. The problem is, often these concerns aren’t minor at all and the chances of developing chronic conditions increase in middle age,” Dr Hemley said.
"It is important to find a GP you feel comfortable with to help you manage your health, even if it means changing from your regular doctor. Family history also plays an important role in determining your risk of developing chronic diseases – talk to your GP about health problems your parents or other relatives may have.
"When you reach your mid-40s, you should visit your GP more regularly to flag any health concerns before they become serious. Early detection of cancer increases the chances of successful treatment. Lifestyle changes can reduce the severity of some chronic diseases, when detected early."
Dr Hemley said diabetes, lung cancer, chronic kidney disease, colorectal cancer, coronary heart disease and stroke all increase during middle age with cancer, cardiovascular disease and neurological disorders accounting for more than half the disease burden in the 45-64 age group.
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