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W hen Monty Python and the Holy Grail was released in 1975, few would have believed that 45 years later people would still be quoting lines from the film, including, of course, “It’s only a flesh wound!” I have a hunch this is because the humour of a hopelessly beaten, armless, one-legged knight hopping pathetically while claiming he’s fit and healthy has a ring of truth about it. Men don’t like showing weakness. Instead, we tend to ignore health issues, putting on a brave face (unless it’s man flu, perhaps), hoping the problem will miraculously heal itself (or the missing limb regrow). It’s behaviour linked to masculinity, but this can be a real problem if the health issue we’re facing is itself related to the masculinity many men believe is down below the belt. Then, many men turn a blind eye, tell nobody and carry on with life, terrified inside but putting on a brave face for the rest of the world. In Australia, an estimated 19,508 men were diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2019, accounting for 25 per cent of all new male cancer cases diagnosed. Statistics indicate one in 10 men will develop prostate cancer during their lifetime, but many will choose to ignore it until it’s too late to manage effectively. Pharmacies can play an enormous part in encouraging men to be more proactive regarding their health, particularly issues related to the prostate. Canberra’s Cooleman Court Pharmacy is blazing a trail that other pharmacies may well be interested in following. Seven years ago, pharmacy owner Brad Butt noticed a high level of confusion among men in the community when they were presenting to his pharmacy with issues relating to men’s health, and the prostate gland in particular. Having explored the data, and after spending time upskilling himself, Mr Butt launched Men’s Health Downunder as way to offer support to the local men and add a much needed professional service to his pharmacy’s offerings. Today, Men’s Health Downunder is a MEN’S HEALTH 35 standalone business, operating out of a dedicated premises and serving men from all over Australia, who are often referred by the country’s top urologists. Retail Pharmacy Assistants spoke with men’s health specialist, 2017 Intern Pharmacist of the Year and Men’s Health Downunder pharmacist Tim Stewart, to learn more about men’s health as a professional service in a pharmacy and to understand the processes that have made it work so well for the team in Canberra. Private men’s business Mr Stewart says that when Men’s Health Downunder was launched, it was based in a single, dedicated consulting room, inside a very busy pharmacy. The team set up the room with all the equipment needed, and all the consulting was done in there. In those early days, it was clear that privacy was important if men were going to feel comfortable visiting the pharmacy and waiting for their appointment. TO PAGE 36 NEW Esberitox reduces the duration & severity of common cold symptoms ECHINACEA THUJA BAPTISIA Winter promotion now available via all major wholesalers For more information contact your Sales Representative or 1300 927 769 ALWAYS READ THE LABEL. FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE. IF SYMPTOMS PERSIST, TALK TO YOUR HEALTH PROFESSIONAL. RETAIL PHARMACY ASSISTANTS • JUN 2020