Call to men in Wakefield to put their health first
South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust is encouraging men in Wakefield to be more health aware ahead of Men’s Health Week (11-17 June).
Research repeatedly highlights men’s reluctance to visit their doctor compared with women. Men are less likely than women to acknowledge health problems – to themselves or others – are less aware of their symptoms than women and delay going to the doctor. This can result in men being diagnosed with conditions at a stage when their symptoms are more advanced and harder to treat.
Therese Manship, health and wellbeing service manager for Wakefield’s wellbeing service, said, "Men are traditionally less likely to visit their doctor, but it’s really important to get problems seen to sooner rather than later.
"Prevention is better than cure, of course, so look after your health by eating a varied, balanced diet, taking regular physical exercise and making time to relax. But please don’t put off seeking help if you need it."
Health checks will be on offer to rugby fans at the Featherstone Rovers v Dewsbury Rams match on Sunday 10th June. Visitors to the Big Fellas Stadium can have their blood pressure, body mass index (BMI) and heartbeat checked as part of Men’s Health Week. High blood pressure, an erratic heartbeat and being overweight are risk factors for stroke and heart disease.
In line with the key messages of Men’s Health Week, the Trust has expanded its intranet to include a new resource dedicated to encouraging men to keep an eye on their health and, more importantly, seek help when needed.
Alan Davis, director of human resources for the Trust, said, "South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust is committed to improving staff health and wellbeing. With more than a thousand male staff in the Trust, any steps we can take to promote greater self-awareness have the potential to make a real difference to the organisation’s overall health and wellbeing.
"As a health trust, it is particularly important that we don’t forget our staff’s own health needs: a mentally and physically fit workforce enables us to provide the best possible services for the people we care for."
Health information on a range of topics is also available on the Trust’s website: http://www.southwestyorkshire.nhs.uk/your-wellbeing/
