Men’s Health Week (13-19 June) is an initiative that aims to help men take charge of their health. A lot of men avoid thinking about their health, let alone learning about it.
But by educating and empowering Men, the organisers of Men’s Health Week believe that we can help them to turn their health issues around.
Although the work done in this week is great, keeping on top of your health is a year-round priority.
The nitty gritty:
The statsistics around Men’s health are pretty sobering. A boy born today will have a life expectancy of nearly four years less than a girl of the same age. This statistic is even worse for Māori and Pasifika men.
He will be over 20% more likely to die of a heart attack than the girl, and almost 30% more likely to get diabetes.
Even worse; this same boy is three times more likely to die by suicide or in a motor car crash.
Every day, eight Kiwi families lose a loved partner, father or tupuna to a preventable illness; one they didn’t need to die from.
One in four kiwi men will die before retirement age. That’s one quarter of men who will not make it to 65.
Making Change:
We are both responsible for and capable of making changes to these statistics. Small changes to things we eat, drink and do can make a difference.
You can start small – eat less, walk more and talk about your health more. These three seemingly small things can transform your health.
Go for a WoF:
If you don’t know how to start, it would pay to pop in to see your Doctor for a health checkup – just like a WoF for your car. If you get your health checked every year, you could avoid big problems in the future.
Find out more about enrolling with a Doctor now