TODAY, Monday, June 11, marks the start of International Men’s Health Week.
The Western Trust says that during this time it is urging everyone to focus upon medical conditions and the general health and wellbeing of local men and boys.
The week always begins on the Monday before Father’s Day and ends on Father’s Day itself. This year, it will run from Monday 11th until Sunday 17th June, with a focus on health conditions facing local men and boys.
During this week men will be able to avail of free health checks, such as; blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol and BMI and receive information and advice on the main cancers that affect men, including advice on how to lead a healthier lifestyle in Foyleside Shopping Centre, Derry on Wednesday 13 June from 12 noon to 2 pm and in The Erneside Shopping Centre, Enniskillen on Thursday 14 June from 12 noon to 2 pm.
Research shows that local men experience a disproportionate burden of ill-health and die too young:
Local men die, on average, four and a half years younger than women do.
Males have higher death rates than women for all of the leading causes of death.
Poor lifestyles are responsible for a high proportion of chronic diseases.
Late presentation to health services leads to a large number of problems becoming untreatable.
Men’s Health Week seeks to support men and boys to: engage in healthier lifestyle choices and activities; encourage the early detection and treatment of health issues; heighten awareness of preventable health problems including mental health challenges.
The focus this year is: ‘One small step for man, one giant leap for men’s health.
With the question: ‘What’s your small step going to be’?
Sandra Semple, Western Trust Health Improvement Officer states that “Men’s Health Week offers an ideal launch pad to do something positive and start this process.
“Making very small changes to your lifestyle can have a huge impact in the longer-term”.
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