Many men are happy to ‘leave their health and wellbeing to chance', but this attitude can have serious consequences, pharmacists have warned.

They are encouraging men to visit their local pharmacy and discuss any health concerns they may have.

"In general, men tend to leave their health and wellbeing to chance and often ignore symptoms or delay seeking medical attention with sometimes shattering consequences.

"We are encouraging men to make a pitstop at their local pharmacy and talk to their pharmacist if they are feeling unwell or if they need professional advice on common ailments, medicines or general lifestyle tips," said Bernard Duggan of the Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU).

He made his comments to coincide with Men's Health Week 2014, which runs from June 9 to 15. The theme of this year's event is ‘Challenges, Choices and Celebrations - What's your Aim'. It is calling on people to do something positive and practical to help improve men's health, rather than just talking about the issue.

Currently in Ireland, men continue to have higher death rates than women in relation to all of the leading causes of death and men die, on average, four-and-a-half years younger than women.

For more information on Men's Health Week, which is organised by the Men's Health Forum in Ireland, click here