“Making the Connection” during Men’s Health Week 2021 in Mayo

International Men’s Health Week runs this year tomorrow (Monday) to Sunday, June 20 (Father’s Day).

This annual week aims to raise awareness of preventable health problems, encourage the early detection and treatment of health conditions in men, and support men and boys to engage in healthier lifestyle choices/activities.

Men still die on average about four years younger than women.

They also have a higher incidence of death rates for virtually all of the leading causes of death, including heart disease, cancer, respiratory disease, stroke and suicide.

Men’s Health Week is an opportunity to focus on the wellbeing of men and boys and the key theme this year is encouraging everyone to begin the process of ‘MAKING THE CONNECTIONS’ and to ‘CHECK IN, CHECK UP, CHECK IT OUT’.

CHECK IN with yourself to see how you are coping/feeling, and to identify any health worries you might have.

CHECK UP on your family, friends, neighbours, colleagues to see how they are doing and to offer support.

CHECK IT OUT if you notice anything worrying that may need medical attention.

This call to action speaks to the key priority following the impact of COVID-19 and the need for us all to rebuild and nourish our networks and support structures by ‘Making the Connections’.

The Men’s Health Forum in Ireland (MHFI) coordinates activities for Men’s Health Week on the island of Ireland.

These activities are funded by the HSE Health and Wellbeing and the Public Health Agency.

Further information about activities for Men’s Health week can be found on www.mhfi.org .

The website provides an extensive range of reports and resources in relation to Men’s Health including ‘Challenges and Choices’ Man Manual.

One event to highlight for Men’s Health week is an information webinar on Men’s Health –The How of Men’s Health.

It takes place at 12 noon on Wednesday, June 16, with special guest Mayo GAA legend David Brady. Register for webinar at: https://tinyurl.com/2vct28jt.

For further information on Men’s Health Week, please contact:

Laurence Gaughan HSE telephone 094 9042509 or email laurence.gaughan@hse.ie

Paul Gillen HSE telephone 091 737261 or email paul.gillen@hse.ie