Health night just the tonic for the real Northern man

By Peter de Graaf
Kelly Wright has a simple message for any blokes still undecided about going to tonight's Men's Health Night: "Get your bloody sorry backsides down there and do something for yourselves."
The last time Kamo Lions held a Men's Health Night, in 2000, about 800 men and six women turned up.
This year Mr Wright is hoping to get at least 1000 blokes, and is even resorting to bribery - in the form of giveaways and a barbecue draw - to lure them to the ASB Leisure Centre.
The evening is hosted by TV presenter Rob Harte, from My House My Castle, and features inspirational speaker and rugby identity Jason Barrell.
Organisers Mr Wright and Don Grocott say they were struck by the lack of health information for men.
"There are acres of pamphlets and handouts on women's health, but nothing for men," Mr Wright said.
"There's a Ministry of Women's Affairs and a National Women's Hospital, but men won't even go to see their GPs until the pain cripples them - and then it's too damned late."
Mr Harte said it would be an entertaining evening with a serious message.
"We've picked Thursday night because Coro's on, the girls will be busy, so there's no excuse for any real Northern man not to turn up. Hell, it's only once every six years."
Blokes who show up tonight will learn how to keep and improve their health, and take home a dossier of health information and "bloke-stuff".
Other speakers include urologist Tony Nixon, and GPs Nick Chamberlain and Geoff Cunningham.
Men's Health Night is at 7pm tonight at the ASB Leisure Centre in Kensington, Whangarei. Entry by gold-coin donation.