The 'little things' men do loved by most

A national survey of 4000 Australians shows it would be the little things that people would miss the most if a man close to them was to die.

Tennis champion Pat Rafter and INXS musician Kirk Pengilly

A national survey shows people would miss the "little things" if a man close to them was to die. (AAP)

Australians are being asked to take moment and think about what they would miss about the men in their lives if they were gone, as part of a campaign to stop men dying too soon.

A national survey of 4000 Australians, released to mark the start of 'Movember,' shows it would be the "little things" that people would mourn the most if a man close to them died.

These include: his stories (18 per cent), advice (16 per cent), smile (8 per cent) and his jokes (9 per cent).

Another 18 per cent said they would just miss the quiet times spent together.

On average men die an average six years younger than women, for reasons that are largely preventable.

Movember Foundation CEO Owen Sharp says there is a lot people can be doing to encourage men to be living healthier lives.

He says action starts simply with talking to them.

"When we look at the stats, it becomes so clear that there is a men's health crisis," Mr Sharp said.

"By talking about it, by encouraging our friends to take action for their health and supporting them, we can help keep the men we love around to live happier, healthier, longer lives. They don't have to miss out on those key moments that matter most," Mr Owen said.

STATISTICS ON MENS' HEALTH WORLWIDE

* 1-in-8 men will get prostate cancer in their lifetime

* 1-in-2 men will be diagnosed with cancer

* Testicular cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in men aged 15-29

* 3-out-of-4 suicide victims are men

* More than 500,000 men take their own life every year. That's one every minute.

Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467.

MensLine Australia 1300 78 99 78.

Multicultural Mental Health Australia www.mmha.org.au.

Local Aboriginal Medical Service details available from www.bettertoknow.org.au/AMS


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Source: AAP


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