Minister for Health and Wicklow TD Simon Harris has welcomed the beginning of Men’s Health Week 2019.
The week, which is co-ordinated by the Men’s Health Forum and runs from June 10 to June 16, aims to raise awareness of preventable health problems, support men and boys to live healthier lives, and encourage them to seek help or treatment early.
Minister Harris emphasised that is vital we continue to encourage males to engage in healthier lifestyle choices and practices.
“We know that men are disadvantaged in terms of a number of key health outcomes; for example, smoking, drinking and obesity rates are higher in men, as are suicide rates.
“This is why we published the National Men’s Health Action Plan in 2017 and I welcome this week as an important contribution to men’s health in Ireland. It is crucial we continue to support men and boys to engage in healthier lifestyle choices and activities and encourage them to seek help or treatment at an early stage,” said Harris.
Men’s Health Week is celebrated across Europe, the USA, Canada, New Zealand, Australia and many other countries.
In Ireland, Men’s Health Week is coordinated by the Men’s Health Forum in Ireland with support from over 80 partner organisations. Financial support comes from the Health Service Executive and the Public Health Agency.
The Men’s Health Forum in Ireland (www.mhfi.org) is a charity which works on an all-island basis to improve the health of men and boys. It is a voluntary network of individuals and organisations, men and women, which seeks to identify the key concerns relating to male health and to increase understanding of these issues.
