www.nzhealth.net.nz

Traditionally the mans role was in being fertile, protective and nurturing, supporting family and community, but a mans place in this changing world of conflict, corporate manipulation and greed which is rapidly bringing humanity toward extinction, is becoming irrelevant.

Leadership and masculinity have given way to uncertainty and powerlessness, male fertility is declining as is the health of humanity due to the poisons in our food and atmosphere, and over population.

From boy hood through adolescence to manhood there are obstacles to overcome. Living means learning, learning about ones self and the world, turning weakness into strength, and finding the strength to overcome problems peacefully as they occur rather than waiting for crisis and loss of control.

The measure of a man in the 21st centaury is his strength of character and it is vital that he develop his character to see through the games of life and take his rightful place as protector as he competes to survive in a material world where men's and women's roles are constantly changing.

Health of body and mind is vital and must be maintained. For the city bound male, getting out into the country as well as healthy diet along with physical and mental exercise is of paramount importance. Good health and physique and a strong immune system result in less suffering.

While women and religion offer some solace, religion mostly serves to bind instead of liberate. Drugs and alcohol occasionally give some insights but mostly cause blindness to the truth and further ill health. Relationships are more complex, some men settle with one partner, many will never find the perfect mate and have successive sexual partners and family values have been completely eroded.

The path to health and the path to true manhood requires strength, discipline and support of loved ones. Healing comes through following a policy of peace, physical and mental exercise, and a healthy sex life which for many men is the root cause of their unhappiness. A healthy sex life empowers the spirit as much as the most profound meditation and religious experience and can be the incentive to embrace the fullness of life and lead to better health and a longer and happier life.

A Life of Work
The activities done in order to survive are the greatest threat to men's health. Historically as hunter gatherers, the risks were in nature where the animal being hunted would cause injury or death. Today workplace accidents are common and daily men are injured and sometimes die. Work today takes many forms as our society develops and a great many men find themselves desk bound in front of a computer all day and a new range of debilitating conditions has appeared. The reduced physical exercise has led to a greater incidence of obesity and repetitive strain injuries which over time become chronic conditions and the cause of even more debilitating illnesses.