Time to man up

Peter Gebert is asking men to come along to the Rotary Club of Healesville's Men's Health Night on 15 June. 154809 Picture: JESSE GRAHAM

By JESSE GRAHAM

WHEN IT comes to men’s health issues, awareness is the key.
Men from around the Yarra Valley are invited to attend a Men’s Health Night, organised by the Rotary Club of Healesville, on Wednesday, 15 June.
From 7pm at the Healesville Football Clubrooms at the Don Road Sporting Complex, speakers including Rotary’s Ion Whykes OAM, prostate cancer ambassador Sam Gebert, Ross Bennett and beyondblue’s Tim Richardson will talk about key health issues – bowel cancer, prostate cancer, depression and mental health.
Rotarian Peter Gebert said the night would be a chance to raise awareness of cancer and mental health, and how men could be prepared to notice symptoms and warning signs – and where to go from there.
He said the speakers were locals who had knowledge of the topics they were speaking on, with Mr Whykes and Sam Gebert (Peter’s son) going through treatment for bowel and prostate cancer respectively.
“I think what, really, we’re focusing on is early intervention and correction,” he said.
“Your prostate cancer and your bowel cancer, early intervention and it’s the most curable sort-of disease – if it’s left, it becomes a big problem.
“This is the message we’re trying to get out – get onto it early, go to the doctor.”
Mr Gebert said Rotary was canvassing the area, inviting sporting clubs and emergency services groups to gather residents and young men for the meeting.
“If we got 100 people I’d be delighted – 150 would be excellent,” he said.
Coffee and tea will be provided at the meeting, and all are welcome.
For more information, call 5962 6550.