Our blokes need to put health first says Gard

AS reigning Guinness World Record holder for completing the most burpees in one tortuous hour, fitness whiz Charlie Gard knows health.

That’s why the super-fit Tasmanian — who knocked out 851 squat-thrust burpees — has joined forces with the Every Man Can campaign, launched to coincide with Men’s Health Week.

The campaign aims to raise awareness of men’s health issues, like prostate cancer, lower life expectancy than women, higher risks of suicide, and premature death associated with high-risk behaviours. Gard, of Hobart, urged all Tasmanians to get involved in the campaign.

“Our underperformance on men’s health is hurting our women and children as much as it is harming our lads and blokes,” he said.

“We need to do more to inspire the nation’s fathers and sons to step up, take action, support one another, and play as a team.

“This week, I’ll be sharing my top tips to health and wellness in the hope that we can inspire others to do the same.”

Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia has released a quiz to test community understanding of men’s health, and is encouraging Australians to show their support for men and families impacted by prostate cancer during Men’s Health Week.

Gard said every 25 minutes, an Australian male was diagnosed with prostate cancer, and 3500 Aussie men will die from the disease this year.

But if it is detected early enough, prostate cancer has one of the highest cancer survival rates.

To get involved in the campaign, go to pcfa.org.au to take the quiz.