Council Events Encouraging Men to Have Regular Health checks

The important issue of men’s health will be front and centre this month during a series of special free events organised by Newry, Mourne and Down District’s Council’s District Electoral Area (DEA) Forums.

To coincide with Men’s Health Week, six events are taking place supported by the Council’s Health Improvement Team and statutory community agencies, with the spotlight on encouraging men to have regular health checkups and look after themselves.

Statistically, men have shorter life expectancies and are significantly less likely to seek routine medical care or mental health support than women, with the various district events focusing on raising awareness for preventable health issues, reducing the stigma around seeking medical and psychological help, and promoting early disease detection.

The first takes places at Newry Leisure Centre on 10 June at 11am organised by the Slieve Gullion, Newry and Crotlieve DEAs when free health checks will be available, alongside advice on how to stay healthy and eat healthily.

The Downpatrick, Mournes, Rowallane and Slieve Croob DEAs are working alongside the County Down Rural Community Network at an event on June 11 at Castlewellan Castle starting at 6pm, open to men of all ages which includes talks on drugs and alcohol, cancer awareness, physical activity and nutritional advice.

On June 13, Downpatrick DEA is organising free health checks for men over 40 who work for Creative Construction with the event being held at the firm’s Ballynoe Road base as part of its commitment to looking after the health and wellbeing of its employees.

On 16 June, free health checks and information sessions will be available at the Fishermen’s Mission in Kilkeel during an event organised by Mournes DEA starting at 10am, with a similar event at Delamont Country Park featuring health checks organised by Rowallane DEA on 18 June at 10.30am. This event also includes a willow making workshop hosted by Ballynahinch Men’s Shed, with their counterparts from Killyleagh and Saintfield Men’s Sheds in attendance.

There will also be scenic walks and exercise classes.

The final event takes place on 19 June at the Newry Street Unite community centre in Kilkeel organised by Mournes DEA at 6pm.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Glyn Hanna said, “I encourage men to use the opportunity to avail of the free health checks that are being made available. Men are more likely to put off seeing a doctor and this can have a real impact on their health.

“Our DEAs are to be commended for the excellent work they are doing as part of Men’s Health Week organising free health checks and advice on how men should look after themselves. A check could detect potential problems at an early stage and allow men to get help before a condition could become serious.”

Cllr Hanna said the free checks are a quick and easy way for what is essentially a health MOT and is encouraging men to take part and ensure their health is a top priority.

The Chairperson added: “A health check could make a significant difference to someone’s long-term wellbeing. Early detection of an issue men may be unaware of can saves lives and I strongly encourage them to take advantage of these free checks and invest in their future health and wellbeing.”