CQU Bundaberg is hosting a series of free seminars conducted by Freemasons to promote the awareness of men's health issues.

The first of these sessions was held on Tuesday, October 10, in the Building 5 Lecture Theatre.

Research shows that males in western society are less likely than women to take an active role in maintaining their own health.

Australian men often find it difficult to talk openly about their personal health problems and this reluctance means that men suffer in silence and often don’t do anything about it even when a simple solution is at hand.

“These seminars are to encourage men to become open about their health problems. Too many men in the past do not talk openly of these problems and we would like to break down these barriers to reduce unnecessary worry,” said organisation committee member, Mike Turnbull.

These seminars are not just for men and topics include depression, prostate cancer, diabetes and dental health.

The next seminar, due from 2pm-4pm on October 24, will cover depression, prescribed drug audits/medication misadventure, aged abuse and cancers.

Another seminar, due from 6pm-8pm on October 26, will cover cancers, heart issues, prescribed drug audits/medication misadventure and asthma/emphysema.

Details are available via m.turnbull@cqu.edu.au