09 June 2014
The facts are:
- On average, 1 in 8 men will experience depression at some stage of their lives.
- On average, 1 in 5 men will experience anxiety.
- Prostate cancer is the most common diagnosed cancer in Australia with over 20,000 men diagnosed each year.
- More than 3,300 Australian men die of prostate cancer each year = 9 men every single day
Put your right foot forward in blue boots all in the name of men's health – Steel Blue have teamed up with Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA) and beyondblue to support Australian men's health issues, kicking off with National Men's Health Week from 9 June 2014.
True blue will take on a whole new meaning as Steel Blue's new industrial safety boot, the Southern Cross, will be released in special blue edition with $10 from each pair sold donated support Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia and beyondblue.
Lending a hand, or a boot, to raise awareness for these deserving charities is just one step closer to Steel Blue's goal in helping the health and wellbeing of all workers.
Blue boots aim to enhance foot and full body health by possessing Steel Blue's 100% comfort guarantee but also to support men's health by raising money for Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA) and beyondblue and increasing awareness of these important health issues.
Created with patented Trisole Comfort Technology, the Southern Cross boot is designed with a full length Poron innnersole absorbing even more shock, reducing day-to-day fatigue and supporting feet.
PCFA is a broad-based community organisation and the peak national body for prostate cancer in Australia. They are dedicated to reducing the impact of prostate cancer on Australian men, their partners, families and the wider community. PCFA promotes and funds world leading, innovative research into prostate cancer, implements awareness campaigns and education programs and supports men and their families affected by prostate cancer through evidence-based information and resources, Support Groups and Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurses.
beyondblue works to raise awareness and understanding of depression and anxiety to reduce stigma, to encourage people to take action to get help, and provides access to information for people with depression and anxiety and their families. Everyone can access help via the Support Service on 1300 22 4636 or at www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support.
"Both Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia and beyondblue play such a vital role within the Australian community and we are privileged to be working with them to help achieve their goals for men's health. At Steel Blue, we pride ourselves on continuously working towards raising awareness on health and safety in key industries, and promoting proper foot care and full body health," said Ross Fitzgerald, Steel Blue General Manager of Sales.
beyondblue Chairman Jeff Kennett AC said if tradies and home renovators considered buying the new Steel Blue boots, it would be a practical way to support good mental and physical health. "Protective boots are essential for tradesmen and we appreciate Steel Blue’s generosity in donating a portion of the profits to beyondblue to continue to help people with depression and anxiety, and their families," he said.
Another initiative Steel Blue is involved with is Tradies National Health Month, held annually in August, in conjunction with the Australian Physiotherapy Association. They have set out to create a behavioural change amongst tradies towards healthier and safer lifestyles. Tradies are able to receive health tips specific to their trade from physiotherapists and Steel Blue.
Associate Professor Anthony Lowe, Chief Executive Officer of PCFA is delighted to be partnering with Steel Blue on this exciting campaign.
"Each day 55 men across Australia are diagnosed with prostate cancer – its impact is felt throughout the wider community including partners, families and friends. The Blue Boots campaign will not only raise vital funds for PCFA's research, awareness and support programs but it will bring our prostate cancer message to thousands of Australians. We hope it will act as a reminder to Australian men, particularly those aged 50 years and over, to talk to their doctor about being tested as part of their annual health check."
For more information on Southern Cross Blue Boot please visit www.steelblue.com.au.
