Men are being reminded that even small changes to their lifestyle could result in major health improvements.

Men's Health Week runs from June 12 - 18 and the theme of this year's event is ‘It's all about HIM'.

This marks the 18th year this event has run. It aims to increase awareness of the specific health needs of men and boys, and to encourage them to think about their health and lifestyle behaviours.

Currently in Ireland, death rates are higher among men in all the leading causes of death compared to women. Men also die an average of four-and-a-half years earlier than women.

Men's Health Week is aiming to encourage men to make even small changes to their lifestyle and to seek professional help if they notice a problem. Late presentation to health services can result in major problems, including fewer treatment options if there is something wrong.

As part of this year's event, the Men's Health Forum in Ireland, which coordinates Men's Health Week, has produced a 32-page ‘Man Manual' called Challenges and Choices. This poses practical challenges and encourages men to make simple changes to their lifestyle.

"Evidence clearly shows that men's health can be improved in many significant ways if men are offered positive choices, and are given the support, encouragement and opportunities to succeed. This Man Manual provides the information and the tools, while Men's Health Week provides the opportunity to make a real change," commented Finian Murray, the HSE's men's health development officer and a member of the Men's Health Forum in Ireland.

Men's Health Week is celebrated in most European countries, as well as in a number of other countries, such as the US and Canada. It is coordinated in Ireland by the Men's Health Forum in Ireland, a charity which works to improve the health of men and boys.

For more information on the event, click here