by James Stevens-Cutler, LiveLighter campaign coordinator

man cooking with son

Eating salad, turning down a beer, talking about your feelings, and going to the doctor when you’re sick could all get you called unmanly.

It’s a cultural phenomenon in Australia that is contributing to some pretty dire stats around men’s health. On average, men have more accidents, more illness and die younger than women. Men go to the doctor less and there’s a widespread perception that men don’t care about health.

Men’s Health Week is on from Monday 15^th June – Sunday 21^st June 2020. We’re encouraging blokes and people who love a bloke to get involved. We’ve put together a list of our favourite fella-friendly healthy living resources. Know any other good ones? Drop us a line in the comments or on our socials!

Ultimate BBQ guide

The LiveLighter Ultimate BBQ recipes booklet has a healthy barbie checklist and 5 tasty recipes that hit the table in under 30 mins! That’s gold Jerry, gold!

Regional Men's Health Initiative

They’re a team of people who connect men living in regional areas with the support and tools they need to take charge of their own health and wellbeing. They run Fast Track Pit Stop health checks and Warrior Education sessions.

Free exercise videos and guides

LiveLighter has a whole bunch of home exercise videos and workout guides. There’s something to suit every level, whether you’re getting into it, getting back onto it or a seasoned pro. There's even a physical activity calculator if you’re feeling competitive.

Takeaway the takeaway

Takeaway is a LiveLighter booklet full of tips, tricks and healthy hacks to make healthier versions of your favourites at home. I don’t know if it’s a compliment or not, but my old housemate claimed the chicken nugget recipe in this book was better than Macca’s

Putting the men in mental health

The Black Dog Institute have loads of great info about mental health as well as some handy tools to help you stay mentally healthy.

Beyond Blue offer a range of mental health services, including programs created specifically for men.

Free cooking classes

Interested in upping your kitchen game, eating better and saving some money? Food Sensations is a fun, free, hands-on cooking program run by the champions at Food Bank WA. They’re running the program on Zoom at the moment and spots fill up fast!

Fuss-free recipes

We’ve got hundreds of delicious, healthy recipes at your fingertips. There’s the basics, like porridge and spag bol and fancier stuff like creamy curries, roast dinners and handmade gnocchi. You can search by cuisine, main ingredient or special occasion and there are even filters for special dietary requirements.

So go for a run, whip up a cheeky salad and check in with a mate. And share this list with a brother, partner, son, father… or anyone else who’ll find it helpful!