Let’s Talk about Men’s Health

This year, International Men's Health Week (MHW) will run from Monday 13th until Sunday 19th June 2011.  The focus in Ireland will be upon: "Promoting and Supporting the Health and Well-Being of Men and Boys during Challenging Times".

The world of men, and the roles that they play in it, have certainly changed dramatically in a very short period of time.  All of these changes bring new challenges (both positive and negative).  Therefore, the key message for this week will be: “let’s talk about it”.  But what is there to talk about? ...

• The current economic recession has made a huge impact upon men’s jobs, status, income, spending, lifestyle, debt, sense of security and health.
• On average, men are living longer, but they are not, necessarily, healthier.
• Men face a range of acute and chronic illnesses, many of which are preventable.
• Father’s roles / the expectations of fathers have expanded, but the number of disputed cases relating to access to children is also rising.
• Obesity is on the increase, while healthy eating and exercise are decreasing.
• Depression in men is becoming more prevalent (or at least acknowledged) and the male suicide rate is still extremely high.
• Males are often not aware of where and how to find help and support.
• Young men (particularly) engage in a range of high-risk activities.
• There is increasing recognition that males can be victims of domestic abuse.
• There are a lot of projects that work with men to improve their health, but we are still unsure about what ‘effective practice’ with men looks like.
• The Republic of Ireland has a Men’s Health Policy, but is it making a difference?  On the other hand, Northern Ireland does not even have a framework for evaluating if men’s health needs are being met ...