International Men’s Health Week (MHW) will run from Monday 15th until Sunday 21st June (Father’s Day). HSE Health and Wellbeing is proud to work in partnership with the Men’s Health Forum in Ireland (MHFI) to support this important annual campaign. The overall aims of the week are to support men and boys to engage in healthier lifestyle choices/activities and encourage the early detection and treatment of health difficulties in males.
This year’s theme, ‘One Step at a Time’, encourages men and boys to focus on progress, not perfection. Men’s Health Week is an opportunity to promote practical, positive action, raising awareness, building health knowledge, supporting healthier lifestyle choices, strengthening wellbeing and encouraging early action when health concerns arise. Small steps taken consistently make a meaningful difference over time.
Why focus on men’s health?
While many men are living healthier and longer lives in recent years, challenges remain. Men continue to experience higher rates of premature mortality compared to females across the leading causes of death:
- Cancer = 17% higher
- Cardiovascular disease = 148% higher
- Accidents, suicides and poisoning = 172% higher
- Diseases of respiratory system = 32% higher
- Diseases of the digestive system = 58% higher
These figures highlight why targeted action matters. Men are often more likely to engage in risk-related health behaviours, including higher levels of smoking, alcohol and drug use, and are less likely to engage with primary care and screening services. Social, economic, and structural inequalities also play a major role, with some groups and communities facing particularly significant men’s health challenges.
But Men’s Health Week is not just about raising awareness of preventable health problems for males, it’s about recognising and building on progress. Across Ireland, men are taking positive steps to improve their health every day in workplaces, Men’s Sheds, health centres, communities, sports clubs, families and friendships. By creating supportive environments and practical opportunities, we can help more men take action, not only adding years to life, but life to years.
Whether it’s booking a check-up, getting more active, talking to someone, improving diet, supporting a friend, or making an effort to recruit more men to your service, every positive action counts. How will you be a part of Men’s Health Week this year?
Resources for Men’s Health Week including downloadable and printable materials are available at www.mhfi.org.