Kilkenny men to be offered free health tips as they continue to suffer burden of ill health

Research clearly shows that the health of men and boys on the island of Ireland is unnecessarily poor. 

Local men continue to die younger than women do, and males have higher death rates than women for almost all of the leading causes of death, and at all ages. Men suffer a disproportionate burden of ill health, and their 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.
 
As the final countdown to International Men’s Health Week begins, the Men’s Health Forum in Ireland is issuing a challenge to men across the island of Ireland to become an 'Action Man' and to follow ten simple and realistic top tips to improve their health and wellbeing.
 
Running from Monday, June 12 to Sunday, June 18 (Father’s Day), this week 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.

This is the perfect time for all men and boys to make a fresh start, and take on simple, practical and realistic challenges to improve their health and live a longer life.

To support them, a new ‘Action Man’ Manual has been produced - in both hard copy and as an online download.   During Men’s Health Week 2023, males are encouraged to get a copy of this free booklet, which has been written specifically for men in all parts of Ireland.  It is being officially launched on the first day of Men’s Health Week 2023.

The 'Action Man: ten top tips for men's health' manual doesn't preach or lecture, it simply explains:

WHY an action is needed.
WHAT can be done about it.
HOW to find support if you need it.

Finian Murray, Senior Health Promotion and Improvement Officer in the HSE, and one of the authors of the Man Manual, explains: “The ten top tips put men into the driving seat, and give them the tools and DIY instructions to make positive changes - if they choose to be their own ‘Action Man’.  It starts with a clear warning: reading this booklet could seriously improve your health.”

Across Ireland, it is very common to hear people saying: “ah, sure your man’s the picture of health.”  During Men’s Health Week 2023, everyone is being asked to think about what their ‘picture of health’ might look like and to go for it.

Men’s Health Week has been planned by almost one hundred partner organisations across the island of Ireland, and thousands of events - both large and small - have been arranged to celebrate this occasion.  Key figures in society have also agreed to act as Ambassadors for the week, and to help to raise public awareness.  

David Gillick (former European athletics champion, Irish Olympian and mental health advocate) points out: “Our physical and mental health is of huge importance.  The statistics around male health are alarming, so this week is about raising awareness and encouraging men to check in with themselves.  The aim is to empower and encourage men to do even one thing to better their physical and mental health.”