In Northern Ireland:
- Men die about five years younger than women
- Men have higher death rates than women for all the main causes of death
- Poor lifestyles in men are responsible for a high proportion of chronic diseases
- Many men delay going to see their GP or health care worker. This can often lead to diseases being detected at a more advanced stage, resulting in fewer effective treatment options and poorer outcomes.
on health.
Sandra Gordon, ManVan Co-ordinator, Cancer Focus, said, “Traditionally men are reluctant to talk about health issues or seek professional help. As a result if they are diagnosed with cancer, it may to be at a more advanced stage leading to fewer treatment options and poorer outcomes. The ManVan aims to target these hard to reach groups to help men reduce their risk of the disease.”
Closing the Gap is a Health Inequalities Project is delivered by Southern Group Environmental Health Committee in conjunction with the five Southern Group Councils. It provides information and advice on local health and well being services, including drugs and alcohol, sexual health and teenage pregnancy, smoking cessation and matters relating to men’s health.
Lord Mayor of Armagh City and District Council, Councillor Haughey outlined “I am delighted that the recent ManVan visit to the Keady area was well received in the local community and am encouraged to hear that the appointments were well attended by farmers at the livestock market. Males in general, are infrequent users of health services they visit their doctor less often, have shorter consultations and tend to see their GP later in the course of their illness We are grateful for the support of Keady farmer’s market which has made this successful event possible.”
The ManVan, funded by the Big Lottery Fund, offered free health checks including blood pressure, blood glucose and body composition measurements. Weight management advice and information on stopping smoking, along with advice on early detection, on-the-spot cancer prevention information and referral to reduce the risk of cancer and to improve overall health, was also available.
Mark McBride, Public Health Agency said: “The Public Health Agency was set up to promote and enhance the factors that influence good health and wellbeing and to reduce health inequalities. We are pleased to fund this type of event which encourages local men to continue to look after their health and wellbeing by getting themselves checked out if they have any concerns.“
For more information and signposting to accessing any of the above services please contact Ciara Burke on 028 8772 0366 or email cburke@sgehc.com. To book The ManVan please contact Sandra Gordon on 079 7750 1908 or email sandragordon@cancerfocusni.org