The age-old Kiwi bloke mantra of "she'll be right" could be stopping men from achieving a healthier lifestyle, says a key Tauranga leader.
Tauranga Mayor Stuart Crosby said he developed a healthier lifestyle after a health scare 10 years ago and applauded efforts to encourage men to become more health conscious.
Mr Crosby, 56, was one of several local leaders who took part in a "What's Your Score" survey when approached by the Bay of Plenty Times, as part of Men's Health Week this week.
The survey covers all aspects of men's health and is designed to encourage them to take charge of their wellbeing by summing up individual answers to create a score, which is then compared with a health guide.
Mr Crosby said he agreed with his score of 48, indicating he could do with a little help to keep his health at the forefront of his mind.
"As I have got older, I generally do consider health issues more but when I find time to address them and not as a matter of priority, which I accept needs to change."
Mr Crosby said he developed an enlarged prostate while in his mid-forties. It was monitored and treated but Mr Crosby confessed he adopted the typical "she'll be right" attitude about having an operation.
"As a result of not following the medical advice (to have the operation) I got to the point of having a serious medical condition, which I covered up until I could not any longer.
"I had the prostate operation and have been fine ever since," Mr Crosby said.
"I now encourage males to get over their concerns about prostate tests and follow up the survey if necessary and just do it."
Mr Crosby now works out at a gym two or three times a week or does other exercise.
"I find if I am physically fitter, I am mentally sharper and don't get so tired or lethargic," Mr Crosby said.
Property developer Bob Clarkson said his score of 22 sounded "pretty good".
Tauranga MP Simon Bridges said his score was okay.
"Doing it did highlight to me that I probably don't think specifically about my health enough and that I should get to a doctor more for a check-up," he said.
Mr Bridges said two men in Mr Bridges' Wellington office scored 50 and 68, so he considered his score as average.
All Blacks Sevens coach Sir Gordon Tietjens scored 22 and put much of that down to his sporting lifestyle.
"With the sport I'm involved in, it partners with nutrition in a big way and fitness is a big part of me. Of course, from a health side of it, it works hand in hand with fitness."
Sir Gordon, 53, said he went for GP check-ups at least once a year after he turned 40. That was now twice a year "since I hit 50".
"There's so much in the media (about cancer) and early diagnosis. If you try to ignore it you're silly."
Western Bay of Plenty Mayor Ross Paterson scored 27 but declined to comment.
The Men's Health survey is available at pharmacies or online at www.menshealthweek.co.nz
The campaign has been endorsed by national celebrities including Greg Murphy, Robbie Rakete and Steven Ferguson.
Bay of Plenty MP and Minister of Health Tony Ryall and Western Bay of Plenty police area commander Inspector Clifford Paxton were unable to respond before today's publication.