Share

Miners taught about menopause

Australian coal miners are being taught to explore their wives and understand menopause in order to have a healthy sex life, which in turn will make them happy, productive workers.

The ‘Toolbox Talks’ at the Bulga coal mine in the Hunter Valley, north of Sydney, have been such a success that the Xstrata mining company is considering running them at other mines.

’The Toolbox Talks’ are a series of health briefings addressing issues such as fatigue, prostate cancer, nutrition, heart disease and this month we are addressing the issue of menopause," said Xstrata spokesman James Rickards.

"Even though it is a predominately male working environment we have to look at the lifestyles of our employees, making sure they are fit and healthy at work, but also fit, healthy and happy at home," Rickards said.

Helping miners understand menopause
Bulga's miners are aged mainly from late 40s to 50s and menopause may be affecting their wives, sisters and friends, said Rickards.

"The health briefings provide them with information on how to help and assist their loved ones who may be going through this or approaching this period of their life," he said.

Mine management believes a miner with a good relationship and healthy sex life will be more productive at the coal face.

"If you have a healthy home life you will have a happy work life and sex is an important part of any relationship, and it's important to address sex for an individual that is going through menopause," said Rickards. – (Michael Perry, Reuters)

Read more:
Menopause can hurt sex life
Sex and the older gal

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE