Pilbara Health

Men who are unhappy with life can also be dangerous by becoming frustrated and aggressive or taking unnecessary risks with themselves and others.

“Blokes like that don’t perform well. In great teams, every member has to be in top form for the team to play at its best,” Kim said.

After reaching the peak of sporting stardom, Kim knows first hand how difficult it can be to juggle the pressures of work, family, money and relationships. He withdrew from the international spotlight to spend more time with his wife and children and has established a life coaching business with former West Coast Eagles coach Ken Judge. Together they bare their souls to teach people about communication, leadership and teamwork.

Kim was joined at West Angelas this month by men’s health educator Julian Kreig in a series of special “Mates and Mentors” workshops designed to help men cope with the growing pressures in their lives. A former fitter, teacher and health specialist with the Central Wheatbelt Division of General Practice, Julian blames the “Warrior” attitude, and a traditional reluctance to talk about personal problems, for cutting men down in their prime.

“On average, women live 7 years longer than men – even longer in the mining and agricultural industries,” he said. “There is no physical reason for this difference, other than the huge stress men experience when they can not deal with emotional problems.

“Blokes know a fair bit about their health but they are reluctant to do anything about it and it is killing us. The most important message we can share with them is not to let things get too much before you talk to a mate. It could save your life.”

Need help? Prime Health provides confidential support for Pilbara Iron Employees. You can reach the Employee Assist Program on 1800 674 188.