The HSE in partnership with the Men’s Health Forum in Ireland is encouraging men across Ireland to ‘Know Your Numbers’ as part of Men’s Health Week. The campaign seeks 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.
This year for Men’s Health Week there is a wide variety of events across HSE Community Healthcare Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim, Monaghan, Sligo.
Anne McAteer, Health Promotion & Improvement, Health & Wellbeing Manager, HSE CH CDLMS says;
“We have linked with all our partners and organisations in the community to get the message across that men’s health counts. We have put together a calendar of different types of events to meet the interest of males of all ages. We encourage all males to scan the QR code below to find out more about what’s happening locally during Men’s Health Week in their local area. Let's all mark Men's Health Week with all the dads, sons, brothers, partners, friends and family. To celebrate father's day why not get out to your local parkrun / parkwalk on Saturday morning?”
Dr Noel Richardson, HSE Health and Wellbeing member and Director of the National Centre for Men’s Health, South East Technological University, Carlow says; “Men’s Health Week is a timely reminder for us to reflect on how men can lead healthier and more productive lives, and to normalise conversations on men’s health. It is a time to put men’s health in the spotlight, to examine the factors underpinning some of the more worrying statistics behind men’s health and to reach out to family and friends and check-in.
“Simple, practical steps like taking regular exercise, a change in diet and reducing alcohol consumption can all play a major role in improving health outcomes. We are encouraging all men to look at ways they can improve their health and to reach out and seek support.”
To support the week, the Men’s Health Forum in Ireland has launched a number of new publications:
- ‘Men’s Health Report Cards’ –This shines a light on the ‘big picture’ of men’s health on the island of Ireland, and offer important insights.
- A ‘Do You Know Your Numbers’ z-card for men themselves, which highlights a range of key numbers that all men need to be aware of in relation to their personal health.
Colin Fowler, Director of Operations of the Men’s Health Forum in Ireland says; “The statistics in the Report Cards provide some cause for optimism, along with some grounds for concern. So, there is certainly still room for improvement. The four main causes of death among local males continue to be neoplasms (benign or malignant growths) , circulatory system diseases, respiratory system diseases, and external causes of injury and poisoning.
“That said, it is important to note that death rates from these have often been reduced due to factors such as the adoption of healthier lifestyles, the uptake of screening programmes, better diagnostic tools, improvements in health literacy and help-seeking behaviours, availability of support services, and more effective treatments.”
An updated ‘Action Man’ Manual has been produced - in both hard copy and as an online download. During Men’s Health Week 2024, males are encouraged to get a copy of this free booklet, which has been written specifically for men in all parts of Ireland and available to order at https://www.mhfi.org/mhw/mhw-2024.html
Last updated on: 10 / 06 / 2024
