Essex Men’s Health Week

Being healthy is important for everybody no matter what your age or gender. But men, especially those over 40, are less likely to seek help and advice on health issues. To mark Men’s Health Week (14-20 June 2010), NHS South East Essex has organised a series of events to encouraging more men to lead healthy lifestyles and obtain free health advice.

During Men’s Health Week, men – and their partners – are invited to come along to a whole host of events to find out more about being healthy  and making choices for a healthier lifestyle. There will be free NHS Health Checks to help identify potential health risks early. By having this check and following the advice of your health professional, men can improve their chances of living a healthier life. The events are being run by professionals from NHS South East Essex.

You can get a Free NHS Health Check at one of the following venues:

Monday 14 June

  • Rayleigh Fire Station, Rayleigh Weir, Essex
  • 13.00 – 19.00

Tuesday 15 June

  • Castle Point Council Offices, Kiln Road, Benfleet, Essex
  • 10.00 – 16.00

Wednesday 16 June

  • Kursaal Family Centre, Centre Place, Prospect Close, Southend, SS1 2JD
  • 09.00 – 17.00

Thursday 17 June

  • Rochford Library, 26 West Street, Rochford,
  • 12.30-17:00

Friday 18 June

  • Shoeburyness Leisure Centre, Deleware Road, Shoeburyness,, Essex, SS3 9NS
  • 10.30-16.00

Saturday 19 June

  • Canvey Regeneration Shop, Knightswick Centre, Canvey Island
  • 10.00-14.30

The events provide a great opportunity to come along and discover more about health specifically for men. The events are open to everyone,  especially if any residents might have concerns about their male partner, friend, brother, dad or grandad.

Margaret Gray, Associate Director for Public Health said

“Unfortunately many men don’t like asking for help and advice, but if we want to live life to the full it’s important that people look after themselves and find out if they could be at risk of future health problems. The events during Men’s Health week are geared towards the particular needs of men and should be fun too. I hope that as many men as possible will take this opportunity to come along and find out more.”

Research shows that men are more likely to suffer from a number of conditions such as heart disease and cancer. They are also more likely to suffer serious accidents and experience depression. One of the biggest issues is that, although they appear to “suffer more and more often,” they don’t tend to seek help.

Local GP, Dr Brian Houston said:

“If you are eligible for a free NHS Health Check, it’s really important that you accept the invitation. Many people, especially men, don’t even know they’re at risk of heart attack or stroke because some heart problems, including high blood pressure are symptomless. The good news is that once detected, these conditions can be successfully controlled – so it’s really important to get tested.”

“Some simple measures can change lives. Smoking 20 cigarettes per day will on average reduce your life expectancy by one hour per day. Getting your heart rate going four or five times a week by going for a brisk 20 minute walk reduces heart disease and the chances of having a stroke – you do not necessarily need to go to a gym”

Keeping healthy and fit really is vital to long term health and happiness. There are many ways to exercise, but research has shown that you must exercise and diet to lose weight and get fit. Exercise alone or just dieting is not the way to stay healthy. You have to have a healthy lifestyle.

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