CUC Parkes manager and Parkes Shire Councillor Jacob Cass.

“If there is one message I’d like to see people take away from Men’s Health Week, it is that there is never a perfect time to have conversations around our health, but they are so important and could save a life.”

These were the words of Jacob Cass, manager of Country Universities Centre (CUC) Parkes, at a morning tea to mark Men’s Health Week last Friday attended by about 30 community members.

“Men’s Health Week is important. We need to open up more dialogue about men’s health and remove the stigma around men being open about how they feel,” said Jacob.

He shared his struggles with his own well-being. “When I was 25, I hit a wall. I was depressed, weighed 180kg and was moving from job to job without a career ahead of me. I decided I needed to change what I was doing. I joined a gym, made monthly appointments with my GP, cut sugars and started working towards a career in the community and education sector.”

Jacob said he could change his life around because he started conversing with friends and family about his health. “It was scary at first, but the truth was that these were conversations they had tried to have, and I was finally ready.

“At CUC Parkes, 30% of our registered students identify as male, and it is important that they feel safe in having an open dialogue around their wellbeing. We offer students wraparound support, which means supporting their wellbeing with stress management tools and having an open-door policy, in addition to academic support.”

Men’s Health Week is celebrated in the middle of June each year and promotes making small changes today that can flow onto a healthier tomorrow. Book a check-up with your GP, drink more water, move a little more and talk with those around you.

The Parkes Prostate Cancer Support and Awareness Group performs an essential service in our community, but is in urgent need of more members to ensure the group’s long-term viability. 

During the period before COVID the group unfortunately lost some very good members, and post COVID the future of the group is in doubt as we are unable to attract men to attend meetings. At the Outback Classic Rally earlier this year, and outside of meetings, many men spoke of their experiences with cancer and indicated a group was still required for support, but unfortunately they do not attend the meetings. 

Men are more reluctant to share their medical problems whether that or embarrassment is the reason we do not know. 

Both Michael Lynch and I, who started the group, have reached the age of 84 and would not like to see this essential service terminate as we are both committed to the continuation of the group. 

We would like to invite men to our meetings on the fourth Tuesday of every month at Neighbourhood Central at 7pm. The group come together to support one another with confidential group discussions. 

By Pauline Gosper 

Myopia, or short-sightedness, is an eye condition that affects the clarity of distance vision. People with myopia can usually see clearly up close, but require spectacles or contact lenses to see clearly in the distance.

Myopia affects approximately 15% of the population. It is the most common vision impairment in the world for people under the age of 40.

In recent years, the prevalence of myopia has grown at an alarming rate. If current trends continue, by the year 2050, roughly half the people on the planet (5 billion people) will be myopic.

The onset of myopia is usually around the teenage years, but can occur earlier. Generally, the younger a child is when they first develop myopia, the faster their vision will deteriorate, and the more severe it is in adulthood.

While glasses or contact lenses can correct a child’s vision, research shows that high myopia can place a child at risk of a number of eye problems later in life, including retinal detachment, glaucoma and macular degeneration.

Usually, myopia is corrected with glasses or contact lenses, however recent research has shown there are a number of reliable ways to slow the progression of myopia in children. This includes specialty glasses, orthokeratology contact lenses for overnight wear, specialty disposable contact lenses and atropine eye drops.

Other studies have shown the importance of outdoor time (green time). Children who spend more than two hours a day outdoors have a reduced risk of developing myopia.

Healthcare professionals have become increasingly concerned about the impact of lockdowns and home-learning on children in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

To counter the effects of prolonged screen time, children (and their parents) should do a screen time self-assessment and devote a portion of their day to green time: time spent outdoors, engaging with nature. 

While green time is not a direct cure for myopia, it can provide a helpful balance for the developing child. By increasing time outdoors, you will reduce time on your digital devices – and promote healthy lifestyle habits. 

Contact Hansen Optometrists Parkes to discuss the most suitable treatment with our optometrist. ‘We are locals caring for locals.’ www.eyecareplus.com.au/eyeconditions/myopia