Research shows 9 out of 10 blokes don't enagage in local health services and are reluctant to visit the doctor until they feel it is absolutely necessary, in too many instances, far too late. In so many conditions early diagnosis, makes the best prognosis - but sadly all too often, men don't come forward and die prematurely. The overall message is when it comes to your health don't put off to tomorrow what you can do today.
We were reminded very recently by Dr Alan Berman from the International Association for Suicide Prevention just how important it is for us to continue to try and help more men to engage with the healthcare system when it comes to their mental health. The sad fact is every 40 seconds we lose someone to suicide and many of those deaths will be men (of all ages) who haven't reached out for help. Below are a range of organisations (hyperlinks in blue) that provide help and support.
Under forty mens health advice - drink in moderation, don't smoke, exercise regularly, eat a good balanced diet, keep your weight in check, sleep well, manage stress! Attend regular check ups for eye and dental health. Practice safe sex.
As we heard in the on-air report it is important for us all - men (and women) - in general, to be more proactive when it comes to our health once we pass the age of 40.
The NHS Healthcheck is a FREE sophisticated check - for men and women - of your heart health aimed at adults aged 40 to 74. It checks your vascular or circulatory health and works out your risk of developing some of the most disabling – but preventable – illnesses.
Together, the vascular conditions identified by the NHS Health Check are the biggest cause of preventable deaths in the UK, affecting more than 4 million people.
(Thank you NHS Choices for the use of the information about NHS Healthchecks - click on the blue hyperlinks to find out more)
It's free of charge, including any follow-up tests or appointments. It's like a "midlife MOT". It checks that some of your body's most important systems are all running smoothly. Among other things, your blood pressure, cholesterol, and BMI will all be checked and your results given to you.
Crucially, your NHS Health Check can detect potential problems before they do real damage. Everyone is at risk of developing heart disease, stroke, diabetes, kidney disease and some forms of dementia. The good news is that these conditions can often be prevented.
Your NHS Health Check will assess your risk of developing these health problems and give you personalised advice on how to reduce it.
Mental Health
The sad fact is every 40 seconds we lose someone to suicide and many of those deaths will be men (of all ages) who haven't reached out for help. Below are a range of organisations (hyperlinks in blue) that provide help and support.
Samaritans – A confidential emotional support service available 24hrs a day 365 days a year - 'People talk to us anytime they like, in their own way, and off the record - about whatever’s getting to them.' Call 08457 90 90 90
MIND Provide advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. We campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding.
Rethink Mental Illness Help millions of people affected by mental illness by challenging attitudes and changing lives.
Mental Health Foundation Committed to reducing the suffering caused by mental ill health and to help everyone lead mentally healthier lives.
SANE SANE is a UK-wide charity working to improve quality of life for people affected by mental illness.
Richmond Fellowship Working towards a society that values everyone with mental health problems.
Together is a national charity working alongside people with mental health issue on their journey towards independent and fulfilling lives.
Young Minds is the UK’s leading charity committed to improving the emotional well being and mental health of children and young people. ww.youngminds.org.uk
Wish a user-led charity working with women with mental health needs in prison, hospital and the community.
Stem4 isa charity dedicated to improving teenage mental health by stemming commonly occurring mental health issues at an early stage.
Depression UK a self-help organisation that helps people cope with their depression. www.depressionuk.org
Action on Depression is the only national Scottish organisation working with and for people affected by depression.
Bipolar UK dedicated to supporting individuals living with bipolar, their families and carers.
The British Psychological Society – The Society and its members develop, promote and apply psychology for the public good. The organisation enhances the efficiency and usefulness of psychologists by setting high standards of professional education and knowledge.
British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy
PANDAS Foundation Offers support to families suffering from pre (antenatal) and postnatal depression.
Console dedicated to suicide prevention, intervention and postvention service.
PAPYRUS (prevention of young suicide) working to reduce stigma, raise awareness, provide support services and campaign on issues surrounding suicide.
B-eat provides information, help and support for people affected by eating disorders.
MGEDT (Men Get Eating Disorders Too) is dedicated to representing and supporting the needs of men with eating disorders.
Anorexia and Bulimia Care (ABC) – Our vision is to see all those affected by eating disorders being supported with kindness, no judgment, a listening ear and encouragement, along the journey to full recovery.
BODY actively celebrates individuality and strives to help those with body disorders.
Syeda supports anyone affected by an eating disorder.
Eating Disorder Support providing help and support to anyone affected by an eating disorder.
Action on Addiction The only charity working across the addiction field in research, prevention, treatment, professional education, support for families and children and campaigns.
FRANK A friendly, confidential drug advice service, dedicated to providing information about drugs and support for people affected by the influence of drugs.
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) Concerned solely with the personal recovery and continued sobriety of individual alcoholics who turn to the Fellowship for help.
Narcotics Annonymous a non-profit fellowship of men and women for whom drugs had become a major problem. We are recovering addicts who meet regularly to help each other stay clean.
Blue Star Foundation Oniomania, compulsive shopping or what's more commonly referred to as shopping addiction, is perhaps the most socially reinforced of the behavioral addictions. We aim to raise awareness and provide helpful information for sufferers.
Sex Addicts Anonymous UK (SAA) SAA is a group of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other for the purpose of finding freedom from addictive sexual behaviour and helping others recover from sex addiction.
All material on this website is provided for your information only and may not be construed as medical advice or instruction. No action or inaction should be taken based solely on the contents of this information; instead, readers should consult appropriate health professionals on any matter relating to their health and well-being.
