The Final Countdown to Men's Health Week 2023 Begins

 

We’re now only weeks away from International Men's Health Week (MHW), which begins on Monday 12th June and runs until Sunday 18th June 2023 (Father’s Day).

Not too long ago, we were unaware of the full extent of men’s poor health status and the specific health issues that they are contending with.  However, this is no longer the case.  In recent years, a broad range of research has highlighted the health challenges which face men in Ireland and further afield.  For example, see the Men’s Health in Numbers reports at: www.mhfi.org/news/1096-men-s-health-in-numbers.html   
 
Yet, although the health of men in Ireland is sometimes poor, it is not a ‘lost cause’ - and it can be improved in many significant ways.  Men, themselves, need to play a central role in taking control of their health and wellbeing.  However, men’s health is not just an issue for individual men and their health can often be determined by other factors outside of their personal control.  Thus, there is also a need for policy-makers, service providers, and society as a whole to recognise the role that they need to play, and to do something tangible about it.

It is very common to hear people on the island of Ireland saying: ‘ah, sure, your man’s the picture of health’.  During Men's Health Week 2023, everyone is being asked to think about what their ‘picture of health’ might look like.  More importantly, everyone is also being asked to set themselves simple, realistic and practical tasks to make this a reality.

As always, the overarching aims of MHW are to:

-  Heighten awareness of preventable health problems for males of all ages.
-  Support men and boys to engage in healthier lifestyle choices and activities.
-  Encourage the early detection and treatment of health difficulties in males.

However, any and all activities / actions to mark this occasion are very welcome.

To find out more about the week, visit: www.mhfi.org/mhw/mhw-2023.html