Men’s Health Week | What You Need To Know
Men’s Health is something that isn’t always talked about and its time this started to change!
Men’s health week provides an opportunity for companies, individuals and establishments to highlight some of the struggles men around the world continue to face as well as showcase support options.
In this blog we’ll look at when Men’s health week is celebrated, what it is and how companies can get started to create awareness within their organisation.
Contents
Why is Men’s Health Week Important?
What Are The Most Common Men’s Health issues?
What Can Employers Do To Support Men’s Health?
When is Men’s Health Week?
Men’s Health Week is an annual awareness event that takes place in June in the UK and United States.
This year, Men’s Health week is celebrated on June 10th – 16th 2024
What is Men’s Health Week?
The purpose of Men’s Health Week is to promote awareness and education about health issues that affect men and boys, and to encourage men to take better care of their health.
During Men’s Health Week, various organisations, health care providers, and community groups host events and activities to raise awareness about men’s health issues.
These events may include health fairs, screenings, lectures, and other educational activities.
Some of the health issues that are often highlighted during Men’s Health Week include:
Cardiovascular disease, Prostate cancer, Mental health, Sexual health, Substance abuse and more!
Men’s Health Week is an important opportunity to raise awareness about the health issues that men face, and to encourage men to take better care of their health.
By participating in Men’s Health Week activities and taking steps to improve their own health, men can live longer, healthier lives.
5 Facts About Men’s Health
1. Men have a higher mortality rate than women for many leading causes of death, including heart disease, cancer, and unintentional injuries.
2. Men are less likely than women to seek medical attention and are more likely to engage in risky behaviours, such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
3. Men are at higher risk for certain types of cancer, including prostate, colon, and lung cancer.
4. Mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety, are common among men and can have serious impacts on their overall health and wellbeing.
5. Men tend to have less healthy lifestyles than women, with higher rates of obesity, physical inactivity, and unhealthy eating habits.
Overall, men’s health is an important issue, and there are many factors that contribute to the health and wellbeing of men.
By adopting healthy behaviours and seeking medical attention when needed, men can improve their health and live longer, healthier lives.
Why is Men’s Health Week Important?
Men’s Health Week is important for several reasons beyond the specific health issues that are often highlighted during the event.
Some additional things that are important in Men’s health week include:
Encouraging Men To Be Proactive About Their Health
Many men may not prioritise their health or seek medical attention until they are experiencing symptoms or have a serious health issue.
Men’s Health Week promotes proactive healthcare for men.
Promoting Healthy Lifestyles
Men’s Health Week can help to educate men about healthy behaviors and encourage them to adopt habits such as regular exercise, healthy eating, and not smoking.
These behaviours can help to prevent a wide range of health problems.
Improving Access To Health Care
Men’s Health Week can help to raise awareness about the importance of access to quality health care and advocate for policies that ensure men have access to the care they need.
Fostering A Sense Of Community
Men’s Health Week can help to bring men together and create a sense of community around issues of health and wellbeing.
This can be especially important for men who may not have strong social connections or support systems.
Overall, Men’s Health Week is an important event that helps to raise awareness about the specific health issues that men face and encourages men to take better care of their health.
It also promotes healthy lifestyles, advocates for access to health care, and fosters a sense of community around men’s health issues.
What Are The Most Common Men’s Health issues?
Some of the most common men’s health issues include:
Cardiovascular Disease
This includes conditions such as heart attacks and stroke, which are leading causes of death in men.
Risk factors for cardiovascular disease include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, and a sedentary lifestyle.
Cancer
Men are at risk for a variety of types of cancer, including prostate, colon, and lung cancer.
Regular screenings and early detection can help to improve the chances of successful treatment.
Mental Health
Men may be less likely to seek help for mental health issues, but they are still at risk for conditions such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse.
According to the Mental Health Foundation, three times as many men die from suicide in comparison to women
Sexual Health
Men should be aware of their sexual health and take steps to prevent STIs and unplanned pregnancies.
Conversations around safe sex are an important reminder for Men all across the world
Obesity
Being overweight or obese can increase the risk of a variety of health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer.
Obesity is something that can be reduced with the right information and guidance.
Diabetes
This is a chronic condition that affects the way the body processes glucose (sugar).
Men with diabetes are at increased risk of developing heart disease and other health problems.
Diabetes type 2 is often a result of obesity which we can work towards reducing.
Osteoporosis
This is a condition in which the bones become weak and brittle, and it is more common in women.
However, men are also at risk, especially as they age.
It is important for men to be aware of these health issues and to take steps to prevent or manage them.
This may include adopting a healthy lifestyle, getting regular screenings, and seeking medical attention when needed.
What Can Employers Do To Support Men’s Health?
There are several things that employers can do to support men’s health:
Offer Wellbeing Programs
Employers can offer wellbeing programs that encourage employees to adopt healthy behaviours, such as regular exercise and healthy eating.
These programs may include things like on-site gyms, healthy food options in the workplace, and wellness education and resources.
Educational resources may include things like Men’s Health webinars, workshops or other forms of training.
Encourage Regular Screenings
Employers can encourage employees to get regular screenings for health issues such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes.
This can help to detect health problems early and improve the chances of successful treatment.
Employers may even hire professionals to provide on-site screening at the office.
Promote a Healthy Work Environment
Employers can create a healthy work environment by promoting good ergonomics, providing clean air and water, and offering resources to help employees manage stress.
Resources may include different types of training around health, like wellbeing workshops or other initiatives to help reduce stress, like employee massage.
Support Employees Who Are Struggling With Health Issues
Employers can offer support and accommodations to employees who are struggling with health issues, such as allowing flexible work arrangements or providing access to resources such as counselling or wellness programs.
Things like compassionate leave should be considered as well as additional time off.
Companies who support the health and wellbeing of their employees are often able to attract and maintain top talent.
Advocate For Policies That Support Men’s Health
Employers can advocate for policies that support men’s health, such as paid sick leave and access to affordable health care.
Annual training should be compulsory and men’s health week and international men’s day should be celebrated within the company.
Overall, there are many things that employers can do to support men’s health and wellbeing in the workplace.
By creating a healthy work environment and offering resources and support, employers can help to promote the health and wellbeing of their male employees.
Author –
Tyler Lowe – Health & Wellbeing Speaker
BSc Sport & Exercise Rehabilitation
