August is Tradies National Health Month

An initiative by the Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA), the Tradies National Health Month (TNHM) is a time for blue collar workers to step back and reassess their mental and physical health, which often gets pushed aside and not talked about enough, according to the APA.

“Many tradies seem resigned to the aches and pains brought on by the intense and repetitive nature of their work and they don’t prioritise their wellbeing,” said National Chair of the APA Occupational Health Group, Zac Lowth.

“Left untreated, small issues can lead to more serious chronic conditions can that impact a tradie’s ability to work, their finances and long-term physical and mental health.”

In a recent survey conducted on behalf of the APA to mark the 10th annual TNHM, one in four tradies said they had taken extended periods off work because of injury.

The majority of respondents said the injury had a negative impact on their mental health.

The survey also found the majority of tradies reporting poor mental health had decreased their physical health. 47 per cent also noted poor mental health had impacted their relationships.

That’s why, in August, the APA is urging tradies to share the load and put their health first.

 “Your body is the most important tool you own, and physiotherapy can help tradies stay fit, prevent and treat common injuries and reduce the risks to mental health associated with acute and chronic pain,” Lowth said.

“Physiotherapists can complete worksite risk assessments, we can educate on how to manage existing injuries and support tradies to be proactive about their health.”

The APA urges tradies who feel sore, or not as healthy as they’d like to be, to put a physio in their toolkit.

“Physios are also excellent at pointing tradies in the right direction for other professional services where needed, including general practitioners, surgeons, podiatrists and mental health professionals,” Lowth said.

For more information on the TNHM initiative, as well as some excellent tips on how to care for your own physical and mental wellbeing, visit the APA’s TNHM page.

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