Men’s Health Week 2023

31st May 2023

Men’s Health Week 2023

 

International Men’s Health Week (MHW)   12th – Sunday 18th June 2023.

The overall aims of MHW are to:

  1. Heighten awareness of preventable health problems for males of all ages.
  2. Support men and boys to engage in healthier lifestyle choices / activities.
  3. Encourage the early detection and treatment of health difficulties in males.

But why is there a need to hold a Men’s Health Week?  Research shows that men can experience a disproportionate burden of ill-health and die too young…

  • Life expectancy for males is lower.
  • Males have higher death rates than females for almost all of the leading causes of death and at all ages.
  • Men’s lifestyles may contribute to a high proportion experiencing chronic diseases.
  • Late presentation to health services can lead to problems becoming untreatable.

During 2023, the MHW theme for Ireland will be ‘The Picture of Health’ and the call to men (and those who support the health of men) will be what does that look like to you?

All too often we set ourselves unrealistic or impractical targets.  However, this year, everyone is being asked to set themselves a simple goal(s) to improve the health of men, and to go for it!

How Can I get Involved?

For tips and ideas check out the new ‘Action Man – ten top tips for men’s health’ Man Manual.   During Men’s Health Week in June 2023, this booklet will be made available in both hard copy and in electronic format.

Pick up a free copy at Belfast Trust hospital canteens with a free tea or coffee (with all donations going to Cancer Lifeline) on Wednesday 14th June 2023 between 8am and 11am.

A “Picture of Health” photo exhibition will run during Men’s Health Week from Monday 12th June until Friday 16th June in the Duncairn Performing arts theatre.  To visit or find out more email paul.okane@belfasttrust.hscni.net.

Listen to the Belfast Men’s Health Group podcasts with Paul O’Kane from the Health Improvement team chatting to people from Belfast and beyond about their lives, work, health and more in a series of fun, light hearted chats with important messages.  You can listen to all episodes of the Podcast on the Belfast Men’s Health Group website here.

Access Men’s Health Week promotional resources and material HERE

To find out more about the Health Improvement Team’s work on progressing Men’s Health, visit the Bwell staff wellbeing website or the Health Improvement teams’ SharePoint site in the Loop.