International Men's Health Week
International Men's Health Week (MHW) always begins on the Monday before Father's Day and ends on Father's Day itself. This year, it will run from Monday 11th until Sunday 17th June 2012.
It is celebrated in most European countries, as well as in the USA, Australia, New Zealand and a number of other places worldwide. The overall aims of MHW are to:
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Heighten awareness of preventable health problems for males of all ages.
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Support men and boys to engage in healthier lifestyle choices / activities.
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Encourage the early detection and treatment of health difficulties in males.
Each year, there is also a focus upon a specific theme. This year, the focus in Ireland will be upon encouraging men and boys to develop a 'first instinct' which is to seek help and support in times of difficulty or trouble. As the date of Men's Health Week 2012 will coincide with the European Football Championships, the key message for this week will be: “Stall the Ball" i.e. stop and think before you act.
MHW gives everyone (health professionals, service providers, sporting bodies, community groups, employers, policy makers, the media, individuals ...) an opportunity to encourage men and boys to take better care of their health and to seek help or treatment at an early stage.
The Men's Health Forum in Ireland (MHFI) coordinates activity on the island of Ireland and cooperates with other Men's Health Fora across Europe, and further afield, to mark this week.
Click on the links below to find out more about MHFI's activities during MHW 2012 and previous Men's Health Weeks ...
