Men urged to look after health

The HSE is running a number of initiatives to raise awareness of common issues.

Today marks the start of Men's Health Week 2022 and the HSE is urging men to look after their health.

The theme for this year's initiative is "Mission is Possible" and the call to action is "The Action Starts With You", focusing on asking everyone to take on realistic and achievable "missions" (tasks, actions, goals and objectives) which will improve men’s health.

Running from today, Monday, June 13 to Father's Day, Sunday, June 19, this annual celebration 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.

A broad range of research carried out in recent years has highlighted the challenges which face males in Ireland and further afield.

Many of the key statistics, highlighted in the "Men’s Health in Numbers" publications, show that:

Local men continue to die, on average, younger than women do.

Poor lifestyles (including smoking, drinking, diet and lack of exercise) are responsible for a large proportion of chronic diseases.

Males have higher death rates than women for almost all of the leading causes of death, and at all ages.

Men’s mental health needs are often under the radar and remain unmet.

Late presentation to health services can lead to a number of problems becoming untreatable.

In Ireland, Men’s Health Week has grown in popularity over the last number of years, with many organisations and individuals lending their support. It's hoped greater awareness and discussion of different health and wellbeing topics will help to build on this success.

HSE Health & Wellbeing, which was a key funder of the Men’s Health Forum in Ireland, says it is proud to be associated with the initiative.

Local and national events for day of Men’s Health Week 2022 will focus upon a specific issue:

Monday June 13: Mental fitness

Tuesday June 14: Prevention is better than cure

Wednesday June 15: Food for thought

Thursday June 16: Rethink your drink

Friday June 17: Trash the ash

Saturday June 18: Let’s get physical - be more than a sports spectator

Sunday June 19: Fathers - can make wonderful things possible for their kids

Let’s get physical Saturday, June 18: Dads and Lads Parkrun Event

As part of Men’s Health Week every “Dad and Lad” in Ireland are encouraged to take part in their local parkrun on Saturday, June 18 at 9.30 am. Parkrun, a HSE, Health & Wellbeing funded organisation, are encouraging men and boys of all ages to join their local free weekly parkrun - and either walk, run or volunteer.

There are parkruns dotted all over Cavan, Monaghan, Donegal, Sligo and Roscommon and in neighbouring counties so it will not be hard to find a parkrun close to your home.