Did you know that in Australia alone, more men die from almost every non-sex-specific health problems than women?
Did you also know that according to the ABC Health and Wellbeing website, people living in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne live on average three and a half years longer than other Victorians?
And above all, did you know that for every two women who die from health related causes, three men die?
While some of us may look at these stats and think that it will never happen to us, unfortunately they resonate with many Australians and in particularly Victorians who are touched by these staggering statistics on a daily basis.
With heart and lung disease, prostate cancer and diabetes among the top ten causes of premature deaths in Australian men, the Western Bulldogs Football Club has banded together with a number of health organisations to create a new initiative aimed at tackling men’s health issues in the west.
Developed in alliance with the Liverpool FC Foundation, the Sons of the West program provides men aged 18 years and over the opportunity to lead a healthier lifestyle through a simple, no-nonsense 12 week program.
Reaching out to men who live and work in the western suburbs of Melbourne, this FREE program encourages men to be active about the choices they make in their lives, with a little help and support from its five ambassadors.
Former Western Bulldogs greats and Western Region Football League identities Doug Hawkins, Brad Johnson, Steven Kretiuk, Tony Liberatore and Scott West will represent the five municipalities in the western region including Melton, Hobsons Bay, Wyndham, Maribyrnong and Brimbank respectively.
Currently coaching the seniors at the Hoppers Crossing Football Club, Kretiuk is excited to be part of the new initiative.
“I’m very humbled to be involved in the program as an ambassador…it’s a fantastic cause and a great initiative.”
In addition to his coaching role at Hoppers Crossing, Kretiuk also works as a personal trainer in the area and has seen firsthand people’s lives change for the better through subtle lifestyle changes.
“I understand that not all people can afford a personal trainer and that others are intimidated by gyms and hard work, so the fact that this program is different from others in that it is a no-nonsense, easy to access program is a great step for those wanting to be healthier but never had the means to do so.”
Engaging up to 2,000 men across the region, the FREE 12-week program aims at making lasting health changes to men in the west, with the hope of bringing those alarming statistics back in line.
“I think it’s important that you respect your body and respect the fact that your choices in life will determine not only your longevity in life, but also the quality of life you will live,” Kretiuk said.
“The hardest thing I see as a personal trainer is people taking that first step, even if it’s a hard one, that first step is the most important one to get the ball rolling because from there, the rest will follow.”
Representing the Wyndham area, Kretiuk is also looking forward to working with his old teammates in the fight to tackle men’s health issues.
“It’s always good to catch up with old teammates but also be once again, together as a team and working towards a common goal and overall success in the program.
“I’m also looking forward to Hawk dropping a shirt size or three as well!”
Officially launching the new initiative last week, AFL CEO Andrew Demetriou commended the Western Bulldogs for their efforts to reach out to the community beyond the means of football.
“There is a terrific opportunity for individuals to stop putting off that walk around the block or swim at the local pool. What more motivation do you need that to get involved in this program and start changing your lives for the better.”
For more information about the Sons of the West program, please visit www.sonsofthewest.org.au or get on down to Victoria University Whitten Oval on Sunday May 18 and attend the Sons of the West Expofrom 11am-3pm.
Last Modified on 16/05/2014 08:46