One important factor that men are more at risk of some health issues is that men are less likely to visit their doctor or a pharmacist than women and they are less likely than women to acknowledge illness or seek help (Men’s Health Forum). Some illnesses, such as prostate cancer and testicular cancer, only affect men, so it's important to have a good understanding of what to look out for.
Physical health checks
As good practice, everyone needs to visit the doctor for regular health checks. Physical health checks are paramount if you are feeling unwell or notice something different about your body.
Screening and regular check-ups can detect diseases earlier when they can be easier to treat. Our page on physical health checks can help you step by step.
Staying active
Increasing your physical activity can support reducing your blood pressure and cholesterol levels and controlling your weight. Additionally, physical activity can reduce the risk of depression by up to 45%.
While balancing life commitments and shift patterns, it is understandable that you may struggle to find time and motivation to exercise.
Visit our physical health page for more tips.
Eating healthier
A balanced diet can improve your physical health by reducing your chances of experiencing high blood pressure, high cholesterol or type 2 diabetes.
Also, there is research to suggest that what you eat can impact your mental wellbeing. For instance, too much caffeine can reduce the quality of sleep. For some, caffeine can contribute to an irritable and anxious mood.
For further information on diet and wellbeing, visit our eating well resources page.
Quit smoking or alcohol
Alcohol impacts the body in a different number of ways. Drinkaware have an article on the effects of alcohol on the body. For example, regularly consuming more than the recommended guidelines can cause high blood pressure. High blood pressure can increase the risk of a heart attack and stroke.
- Thinking about quitting smoking? Our 10 self tips stop smoking page has useful information to support you.
- Visit our alcohol and weight management page for more information
Did you know Keeping Well BLMK provides support for anyone who is struggling with substance misuse, including alcohol and tobacco? All support we provide is confidential and evidence-based. Get in touch with us keepingwell.blmk@nhs.net to find out more.
Also, we support any supervisors or managers concerned about an employee that may be struggling with substance misuse, to ensure they receive the right support as soon as possible. Please visit the advice for managers page for further information.
Take a break
Working long hours, working overtime and not taking annual leave can lead to a reduction in the quality of your physical and mental health. Overworking can affect your sleep and eating habits; and having time for meaningful relationships in your life.
Overworking for a prolonged period can lead to chronic stress. When we are stressed, our body releases the hormone cortisol. If we remain stressed, the levels of cortisol in our bodies grow, which contributes to an increased risk of many health conditions such as cardiovascular disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes.
Movember
Movember is a charity organisation that champions improving men’s health. Find information on men’s mental health and suicide prevention, prostate cancer and testicular cancer.
“Movember Conversations”: A interactive tool used to gain the skills and confidence to approach challenging conversations with men.