It is generally accepted that men do not feel very comfortable talking about certain health issues, especially mental health.
Saltair’s Rick Ruppenthal wants to help change that by bringing his rich experience as a paramedic, life coach and educator to the table by offering a 12-hour talk-a-thon on Friday June 18 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Pacific Time hosted via Facebook Live. He invites everyone who wants to join in to say something or just listen during the informal session.
“A lot of different things will happen,” said Ruppenthal. “I don’t necessarily have an agenda. I definitely have a lot of material. “
The timing of the meeting seems appropriate to him, as June 18, shortly before Father’s Day Wear Blue Day and Ruppenthal’s 65th birthday, June 28 is on the horizon.
Wear Blue Day is part of the year-round Wear Blue campaign launched by the Men’s Health Network to raise awareness of the importance of male health and inspire men to take steps that lead to longer, healthier lives while giving women the opportunity to encourage them to do so.
“I wanted to do something different this year because I’ve been collecting donations and promoting men’s health for a number of years,” said Ruppenthal. “I collect a lot for Movember. I had prostate cancer. “
That was five years ago and he’s been fine ever since.
“Everything looks good,” explained Ruppenthal. “I’ve had some radical surgeries.”
The effects of mental health have piqued his interest in his 30 years as a paramedic.
“Mental health is so prevalent,” he said. “I spent most of the time in Vancouver. I fell in love with the work and the people there and what they went through wasn’t their fault. “
A talk-a-thon seemed like a good idea to raise awareness of the topic and to fulfill another of his longstanding wishes.
“I’ve always wanted to be a radio talk show guy,” he laughed.
Ruppenthal’s campaign will support three charities: Canadian Mental Health Association (Cowichan Valley branch); Wounded Warriors Canada and the Honor House Society. The Honor House wellness center is located in New Westminster with a ranch in Ashcroft.
On Friday, Ruppenthal posted a link to Canada Helps, which will receive the donations. All funds raised will be distributed at will and the goal of the campaign, which ends on Ruppenthal’s birthday, is $ 6,500.
The live broadcast takes place on the Facebook page of the Unbroken Hero Project by clicking on Wear Blue Day under Events. People can drop in at the conversation at any time and Ruppenthal doesn’t expect anyone to watch for the whole 12 hours.
“I will be open and honest and invite people to join the talks,” he said.
“You are supporting a very valuable cause that will help many men and women and that supports our Emergency First Responders in this province and in our great country,” concluded Ruppenthal. “Let’s make that happen together.”
facebook mental health
Poster for Rick Ruppenthal’s Talk-A-Thon from June 18. (Photo submitted)
source https://dailyhealthynews.ca/talk-a-thon-to-focus-on-mens-mental-health-issues-chemainus-valley-courier/
No comments:
Post a Comment