Press releases
Health event gives men the opportunity to have an M.O.T
(26 October, 2009)
Men in the Newton Aycliffe area are being invited to attend a men’s health
drop-in session on Monday 2 November 2009 in Woodham Village Community Centre between 5pm and 8pm.
The event is being run by Vicki Kidson Men and Health Specialist from NHS Darlington Health Improvement Service and the aim is to give men the opportunity to ask questions about their health, find out information on healthy eating, stopping smoking, stress, alcohol and male cancers including testicular, breast and prostate.
Vicki will be on hand to provide advice on a host of services and to offer men the opportunity to have a health check, a mini ‘MOT’ if they wish, which will include:
· Height and weight measurements
· Body mass index.
There will be a number of freebies to take away, including: torch light keyrings, pens, magnifying cards and men’s health booklet. There will also be a chance for men to find out how stressed they are by having a go with the fun ‘stress check’ meter and ‘stress dots’.
Vicki Kidson, health improvement specialist (men and health) said: “This event aims to raise awareness of men’s health issues and give men the opportunity to ask about their own health in a non-clinical environment.
“This event offers the opportunity to emphasis key messages to men about their health. Through health checks and a range of leaflets and advice, information is given on the men’s current health status; how to self examine; encourage men to see a health professional with any concerns they may have; how to access relevant services as well as advice and support on lifestyle issues such as giving up smoking, alcohol intake, healthy eating and getting more physically active.
“The hope is that local men will take advantage of the facilities on offer in their local NHS either as a first step towards better health management or as part of an ongoing routine to keep their health in check.”
To find out more about the event and the work of the Men and Health Service contact Vicki Kidson on 0191 5692841 or vkidson@nhs.net
ENDS
Media contact: Communication department: Telephone: 0191 333 3386 or email pat.lawlor@nhs.net
Note to Editors:
Men are affected by a wide broad range of long-term conditions, for example:
· Cardiovascular disease is the second most common problem. Over 1.5 million men living in the UK are estimated to have had either angina or a heart attack
· Over 4% of men have diagnosed diabetes but an estimated additional 3% of men aged 35 and over have undiagnosed diabetes
· Over 40,000 males in the UK are living with HIV or AIDS, over twice the number of females
· Over 30,000 men in the UK are diagnosed each year with prostate cancer, many of whom live with it for many years with or without treatment
· Many men live with long-term mental health problems such as anxiety or depression.
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