The theme for Australia this year, "Keeping boys and men healthy", was announced by the Men's Health Information and Resource Centre at Western Sydney University. The general idea behind the theme is for men to think of themselves as role models for boys, bringing attention to the fact that engaging in healthy habits yourself sets a good example for the boys looking up to you in life.

That goes for healthy choices like not smoking, not drinking excessively, eating well and being physically active on a regular basis, through to looking after your mental health and paying more attention to your safety.

While physical health has long been a focus for health groups including better eating, getting more exercise and trying to eliminate habits such as heavy drinking and smoking, mental health has only recently started to receive as much attention.

Initiatives such as the Beyond Blue Foundation, Men's Sheds and Movember have all been created to help increase awareness, support and assistance of men's mental health issues, and rural areas have been a focus for these groups with regional males suffering from a range of mental health illnesses.

The Orange Aboriginal Medical Service (OAMS) is a community controlled, owned and operated organisation that has been providing medical and primary health care to Orange and the surrounding regions since 2005. For 15 years they supportive staff have been making a difference to the health of Aboriginal families and the wider community of Central Western NSW, and are committed to "Closing the Gap" in health outcomes.

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Like women's health, men's health is not just about physical illnesses and the OAMS have a wide range of services to help and support men that are suffering from mental or social issues including depression, anxiety, suicide, relationship breakdowns and other issues.

OAMS work on health enhancement of men's lives through a number of methods such as their physical, emotional, social, psychological, spiritual and cultural environments, and have a strong focus on prevention rather than cure. This means along with diagnosis and treatment, OAMS work on a range of programs including education and resilience, and work closely with the Orange Aboriginal Men's Group to achieve better outcomes and health for everyone. For more information visit www.oams.net.au.