MEN'S health literacy and self care is addressed in a new report from Global Action on Men's Health (GAMH), Who Self-Cares Wins: A global perspective on men and self-care.
The Australian Self Medication Industry (ASMI) welcomed the report, which highlighted Australia as a leader in men's health policy but recognised that "there is a way to go until men are empowered to practice self care with confidence".
ASMI CEO, Dean Schoombie, said, "We know that by last measure, 60% of Australians have less than adequate levels of health literacy".
Health literacy is a key pillar of self care, Schoombie explained.
"While individuals should take responsibility for their own health, a multi-layered and systems-wide approach is needed to empower men to practice self care with confidence.
"The report commends the fact that Australia is one of only three countries to have a specific national men's health policy, along with Brazil and Ireland."
Recommendations from the report include specific policies around men's heath, enhancement of men's health literacy, male-accessible health services, improved training for healthcare professionals and more research on improving men's engagement in self care - visit asmi.com.au.
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 09 Apr 19
To see the full newsletter, see the embedded issue below or CLICK HERE to download Pharmacy Daily from 09 Apr 19