Their poorer lifestyles are responsible for a high proportion of chronic diseases and men’s late presentation to health services can lead to a large number of problems becoming untreatable. In this article, Finian Murray, Senior Health Promotion Officer in Men’s Health, HSE Health and Wellbeing, provides an overview of issues affecting men’s health, and how pharmacies can support Men’s Health Week 2023.

In recent years, a broad range of research has highlighted the challenges which face males in Ireland and further afield. Indeed, the key hard facts were crystallised in the ‘Men’s Health in Numbers’ publications, which were launched recently (see mhfi.org).

These show that:

• Men continue to die, on average, younger than women do;
• Poor lifestyles (including smoking, drinking, diet and lack of physical activity) are responsible for a high proportion of chronic diseases;
• Males have higher death rates than women for almost all of the leading causes of death, and at all ages;
• Men’s mental health needs are often not recognised or met; and
• Late presentation to health services leads to a large number of problems becoming untreatable.

However, this is not a lost cause, and this situation can be improved in many significant ways. A wide range of innovative and positive work has already taken place to support the health needs of men and boys: Ireland was the first country in the world to have a National Men’s Health Policy which was succeeded by a dedicated Healthy Ireland Men (HI-M) Action Plan, which is currently being updated. Also, the Engage men’s health training programme has influenced how services and structures support males, and pioneering approaches have been developed and tested which provide models for improving men’s health. Finally, new men’s health and support groups are evolving across the island of Ireland. While much has been achieved, there is still room for improvement.

What is Men’s Health Week?

International Men’s Health Week (MHW) always begins on the Monday before Father’s Day and ends on Father’s Day itself. During 2023, it will run from Monday 12 until Sunday 18 June.

It is celebrated in many European countries, as well as in the USA, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and a number of other places worldwide. The overall aims are to:

• Heighten awareness of preventable health problems for males of all ages;
• Support men and boys to engage in healthier lifestyle choices/activities; and
• Encourage the early detection and treatment of health difficulties in males.

The picture of health

It’s very common to hear people on the island of Ireland saying, ‘ah, sure, your man’s the picture of health’. The theme this year is the ‘Picture of Health’. During Men’s Health Week 2023, everyone is being asked to think about what their ‘picture of health’ might look like. More importantly, everyone is also being asked to set themselves simple, realistic and practical tasks to make this a reality.

What is the Action Man booklet?

During previous Men’s Health Weeks, the Men’s Health Forum in Ireland produced a Challenges and Choices ‘Man Manual’, which was distributed free-of-charge to males throughout the whole island of Ireland. This publication has now been replaced by a new booklet, Action Man — ten top tips to improve men’s health booklet.

This booklet doesn’t preach or lecture — it simply explains:

• WHY an action is needed;
• WHAT can be done about it; and
• HOW to find support if you need it.

Thus, the ten top tips put you into the driving seat, and give you the tools and DIY instructions to make positive changes — if you choose to be your own Action Man.

Putting pharmacies in the picture

It is well known that some men are not, necessarily, good at going to their GP to have their health issues dealt with. Yet, there is also important evidence which shows that pharmacies can, and do, play a critical gatekeeper role in being the first point of contact for promoting and improving the health of men and boys.

Findings from research highlight that:

• Although many men are reluctant to visit their GP to seek advice or treatment, pharmacies can act as a first point of contact between these men and the medical world — especially as pharmacies also sell non-medical products which men need;
• Pharmacies have characteristics that men look for in a service, such as accessibility, flexibility and informality;
• Stores are local and offer a non-threatening environment to men;
• Pharmacies offer ease of access, with no appointments necessary;
• Staff offer a friendly, relaxed, approachable service, and don’t rush men in and out;
• Pharmacists are recognised as experts on medication; and
• The advice given is free.

Pharmacies can, therefore, offer an on-street showcase for information which may increase awareness of the health issues facing men and boys. However, pharmacy staff are also well positioned to talk to men about their health needs, explore possible options and, if necessary, suggest that they may need to seek further expert assistance. As such, they play a crucial sign-poster role, which has often been under-valued. But this is not one-way traffic: building relationships with men, and getting them to use local pharmacies more regularly, is also a sound business strategy!

How to get involved

Every pharmacy in Ireland can do something to mark Men’s Health Week 2023 — the only limitation is your imagination:

• Put up some posters;
• Create a men’s health window display;
• Give out copies of the free 40-page Action Man – ten top tips for men’s health booklet;
• Post about the week on social media; and
• Offer some basic health checks to local men.

Doing even one of these simple suggestions will contribute hugely to improving the health of local men and boys. Find out everything you need to know about the week at mhfi.org > MHW.