Men encouraged to ‘know your numbers’ – pharmacies available to help
10 June 2024: Ireland’s Pharmacists are encouraging men and boys to take time this week to inform themselves about their health. This International Men’s Health Week (10-16 June), the Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) is advising men to visit their local pharmacy for advice and support on measuring and improving health and wellbeing.
Sinead McCool the IPU’s Head of Professional Services said, “Men often shy away from discussing their health or undergoing regular checkups. Certain metrics can provide a key indication of a man’s health, such as blood pressure, weight, BMI, heart rate and cholesterol. This Men’s Health Week we are encouraging men to ‘know their numbers’ and learn vital health information to plan for a healthy future.
“Many pharmacies nationwide can provide blood pressure checks, heart rate checks and measure BMI. A quick visit to your pharmacy can help to inform all men about their health and raise certain issues. Pharmacies can also provide advice on managing health such as smoking cessation, weight loss and managing stress.
“Pharmacy staff are also experienced at advising men about their health needs, which can happen in a discrete and private manner. This could be the difference between a problem being identified early and actionable or only after a serious problem arises.”
“We want all men to understand that ignoring concerns and problems is not necessary. Getting regular checks and dealing with problems as early as possible is the best step any of us can take. Pharmacies can function as a first point of contact between men and the health service and we encourage all men to do so this week.” Concluded Ms McCool.
The Irish Pharmacy Union is encouraging men to use the convenience of their local pharmacy during Men’s Health Week 2024.
Men’s Health Week (10-16 June) is coordinated in Ireland by the Men’s Health Forum in Ireland. Find out more about Men’s Health Week at https://www.mhfi.org/ and on Twitter @MensHealthIRL.
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