Men’s Health Week 2019

This week is Men’s Health Week (10 June – 16 June) so it is time to think about how to improve men’s health across the country. 75% of suicides are committed by men. So, whether the issue is physical, emotional, mental or dental this week we’ll be discussing all the ways men can improve their health.

Did you know there are 7 key numbers all men should know?

1. 37 – A waist size of 37 inches or above puts you at increased of heart disease, diabetes and cancer.
2.  150 – Men should aim for 150 minutes of moderate physical activity a week.
3.  5 – We should aim to eat 5 portions of fruit and veg a day.
4.  14 – Maximum 14 units of alcohol a week.
5. 10 – Cigarette smokers die 10 years younger on average than non-smokers.
6. 120/80 – Normal blood pressure.
7. 75 – As mentioned above, 75% of suicides (3 out of 4) are by men

Check out these 4 stats from the Men’s Health Forum

1. 1 man in 5 dies before the age of 65
2. 2 men in 5 die before the age of 75
3.  Men in unskilled work are 3 times more likely to take their own lives than men in senior management
4.  The richest men live on average 10 years longer than the least well of men. Richer area = longer life.

Top tips to a healthy lifestyle

It’s not all doom and gloom… Here are some top tips to live a healthier life

• Don’t keep emotions bottled up! – Discuss your feelings; this can be with another person, therapist or pet.
• Get regular exercise – Some people would rather do anything but exercise. But try and find an activity you love and do a little every day. Even walking instead of driving will benefit your life
• 5-a-day – Swap out unhealthy snacks and have fruit instead.
• Cut down on sugar and fat – These foods are the main culprit to bigger problem such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
• Don’t be afraid to go to the doctors – It’s better to be safe than sorry

For more information , go to the Men’s Health Forum website.

By Catherine Cherry, Year 10 Leventhorpe School – On work experience with the Comms team.