The health of men in Ireland is 'unnecessarily poor', the Men's Health Forum in Ireland (MHFI) has said.

According to the forum, which works to improve the health and wellbeing of men and boys nationwide, men in this country die an average of up to four years younger than women. Furthermore, some health problems that are treatable become untreatable due to men's late presentation to health services.

These issues are being highlighted as part of Men's Health Week, which runs from June 10-16. This event is celebrated in countries all over the world and is coordinated in Ireland by the MHFI. The aim is to increase awareness of preventable health problems in males and to support them to engage in healthier lifestyle choices.

The theme of this year's event is ‘Men's Health Matters', with males being encouraged to ‘make the time and take the time' to improve their health.

"This week is a great opportunity to shine a light on men's health across the island of Ireland, and for everyone to have a conversation about how to improve the health and wellbeing of men and boys.

"It's also a timely reminder for men to check their own physical and mental health and to do something practical and realistic to improve it," commented MHFI chairperson, Michael Lynch.

Meanwhile, according to MHFI director of operations, Colin Fowler, this is not just an issue for men, but also for their friends and family, local communities and service providers.

"While men, themselves, need to play a role in taking control of their health and wellbeing, it is not just an issue for individual men. We know that health can be determined by other factors outside of men's personal control.

"There is a need for policymakers, service providers and society as a whole
to recognise the role they need to play. In our experience, if men are offered
positive choices and given the support and opportunities they need, they will
succeed in living a healthier life," he explained.

The MHFI suggests a number of ways that people can get involved during Men's Health Week, including:
-Reading the free Men's Health Week Man Manual here
-Making at least one journey by foot/bicycle each day instead of going by car
Trying some new fruit or vegetables that you have not tasted before or that you think you do not like
-Re-connecting with family and friends
-Joining a group or taking up a sport
-Having your blood pressure checked.

For more information on Men's Health Week 2019, click here.