Did you know that over 2,500 cases of lung cancer are diagnosed each year in the Republic of Ireland, and that lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer mortality in Ireland (with over 1,900 deaths annually)?  However, if lung cancer is found early, it’s easier to treat and there’s a better chance of recovery.  One of the common symptoms of lung cancer is a persistent new cough, and everyone is advised to contact their doctor without delay if they develop a cough that does not go away after three weeks.  Know the signs and find out more at: www.hse.ie/checkthatcough

A major UK study, led by health experts at the University of Stirling, has found that offering financial incentives is effective in helping men to lose weight.  585 men living with obesity across Scotland, England and Northern Ireland took part in the research, and were randomly split into three groups.  One received daily supportive text messages plus the opportunity to earn £400 for meeting weight loss goals, the second received only text messages, and the third received no extra support or financial incentive.  The men were given targets of 5% weight loss at three months, 10% at six months and maintain 10% weight loss at 12 months - at which point the cash was paid to the group offered the monetary incentive.  The research found that, after one year, the men receiving both text messages and the opportunity to get cash lost the most weight.  Read more at: https://www.stir.ac.uk/news/2024/may-2024-news/cash-incentives-drive-weight-loss-in-men

Have you listened to the 'Focus on Fatherhood' podcast yet?  This is part of the HSE's Talking Health and Wellbeing series of recordings.  In this episode, Fergal Fox and guest Shane Lynch discuss the crucial role of fatherhood.  Shane shares insights from his work at Deansrath Family Centre.  Listen in at: https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-fter6-163b57d

Have you seen the National Youth Council of Ireland's 'Youth Mental Health Signposting Tool'?  This offers young people, parents, caregivers and those working with young people, reliable up-to-date information on where to access supports and services - at both a local and national level - for a variety of mental health issues.  Check it out at: https://www.youth.ie/programmes/youth-health/youth-mental-health-signposting-tool

The Partnership for Male Youth has produced a series of information sheets for parents focusing upon: supporting your son’s sexual and reproductive health; understanding adolescent male sexuality and health risks; understanding gender from birth through adolescence; understanding boys and pornography.  You can view these at: https://www.partnershipformaleyouth.org/for-parents.html

Mental ill-health and suicide represent a significant proportion of the burden of global disease among men.  Connell’s relational theory of masculinities provides a useful framework to explore how mental health literacy, mental health stigma, and delayed help-seeking and help-offering behaviours are associated with mental ill-health among men - particularly within male-dominated industries. To address the high incidences of mental ill-health in male-dominated industries, several workplace interventions targeting these outcomes have been implemented.  However, no review, to date, has examined the current state of evidence for these interventions or identified the behaviour change techniques used.  A new journal article - titled 'Workplace Interventions Targeting Mental Health Literacy, Stigma, Help-Seeking and Help-Offering in Male-Dominated Industries: A Systematic Review' - explores this issue.  See: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/15579883241236223

The Institute of Public Health (IPH) invites you to attend a free webinar titled ‘Exercise and Healthy Ageing’ on 24th October 2024.  This will focus on the role of physical activity in preventing, delaying or reversing frailty.  This webinar runs from 10.00am to Noon, and will include presentations from Professor Maria Fiatarone Singh (University of Sydney), Dr John Travers (Trinity College Dublin) and Alison Patterson (Public Health Agency).  Professor Roger O'Sullivan (IPH) will also chair a panel discussion / Q&A, with contributions from Leila Beattie (Age and Opportunity), Dr Ruth McCullagh (University College Cork), George Bell (Frailty Network) and Professor Roman Romero Ortuno (Trinity College Dublin).  Book a place at: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_HZG1svWLT0yAbVJpejvPWA#/registration

It's time to prioritise mental health in the workplace!  To find out how, and get practical tips, visit: https://westerntrust.pagetiger.com/wspdwmhd-campaign-pack-2024