Campaign urges men to ‘check it out’
The wider public is being urged to ‘check-in, check-up and check it out’ during Men’s Health Week 2021, which runs from June 14 to June 20, ending on Fathers’ Day.
The initiative from the Men’s Health forum in Ireland (MHFI) challenges everyone to make the necessary connections to improve men’s health and aims to raise awareness of preventable health problems, support men and boys to live healthier lives, and encourage them to seek help or treatment at an early stage.
Michael Lynch, chairperson of MHFI, reveals that recent research in Ireland clearly maps the state of men’s health in Ireland.
“The findings from this research provide some cause for optimism, along with some grounds for concern,” he said.
Among the key findings were: Male life expectancy is increasing; the majority of men across the island of Ireland rate their health as good or very good; the five-year net survival rate for males with cancer has increased; the proportion of male deaths due to circulatory diseases is falling; the number of males dying by suicide across the island has decreased and fewer men now smoke.
But Mr lynch warns this needs to be seen in context.
“The number of cases of prostate cancer has increased, the rate of male diagnoses of gonorrhoea has risen; male obesity and weight is becoming a serious concern; and COVID-19 has had a major impact upon the lives of men and boys,” he remarked.
“However, one of the most worrying concerns is that incidence rates of disease and chronic conditions are, mostly, higher within areas of deprivation,” added Mr Lynch.
As Ireland continues to battle a global pandemic, Mr Lynch added: “Individuals across the country are trying to re-build their lives, relationships, jobs, finances, physical health, emotional resilience, networks and routines. Some people are living with trauma and bereavement. Others are having to re-focus their priorities. Everyone’s mental health has been impacted to some degree.”
The theme for Men’s Health Week 2021 is ‘Making the Connections’ and the call to action is:
- CHECK-IN with yourself to see how you are copingfeeling, and to identify any health worries that you might have.
- CHECK UP on your family, friends, neighbours, colleagues to see how they’re doing and to offer your support.
- CHECK IT OUT and seek information/help/support/treatment as soon as possible if you notice anything worrying or that needs medical attention.
Colin Fowler, director of operations for MHFI, comments: “Men, on the island of Ireland, suffer a disproportionate burden of ill health and die too young. However, this is not a lost cause, and much can be - and is being - done to change this situation.
To help promote Men’s Health Week, people are also being urged to use the hashtag #MensHealthWeek and join-in an eve.
“However, perhaps the most practical thing that everyone can do is to join with others on Pledge Day (Saturday, June 19), and commit themselves to a simple and realistic action, which will improve their own health and/or the health of men and boys generally. Everyone can play their part,” said Mr Fowler.