Men's Health: By numbers
We all know how important it is to look after our health, but do we actually pay much attention to the numbers involved?
This year, during Men’s Health Week in June, the Men’s Health Forum published some UK statistics which give some perspective for men on the 'dos' and 'don’ts' when it comes to looking after themselves. It is important that we look after our health both for the benefit of both our home and our work lives.
Here are some of the key numbers for men to be aware of:
- 5 – Aim to eat 5 portions of fruit and vegetables a day
- 10 – Cigarette smokers die 10 years younger on average compared to non-smokers
- 14 – Consume a maximum of 14 units of alcohol a week
- 37 – A waist size of 37 inches or above puts you at increased risk of heart disease, diabetes and cancer
- 70 – 75% of suicides (3 out of 4) are men.
- 120/80 – This is the normal range of blood pressure for men
- 150 – Men should be aiming for 150 minutes of physical exercise a week
We all need to be aware of how to look after and improve our health, so here are some top tips – not just for men!
- Why not get active during your free time throughout the week? Set yourself a target of 100 to 150 minutes of exercise a week, e.g. going a walk with friends, going to the gym, swimming or cycling. You don’t even need to do all the exercise in one go! Space it out through out the week not just to reach your target but to keep you active every day.
- Eat plenty of fresh food, especially the recommended daily amounts of fruits and vegetables and look into appropriate portion sizes.
- Get yourself to the doctor/nurse/wellbeing clinic if needed – don’t put it off!
- If you struggle with mental health, find someone who you can talk to. If you aren't comfortable speaking to someone you know, then make use of the confidential helplines or services that are provided. No one should go through mental health challenges alone and it helps to talk!
Shockingly, one man in five dies before he is old enough to retire in the UK. By knowing the numbers, and by making small alterations in our daily lives, we can help to change this statistic.
Useful resources:
- Directory of NHS and Community Health Services near you – which covers everything from Dental and GP practices, health and wellbeing, drug and alcohol addictions to sexual health: https://www.nhsinform.scot/scotlands-service-directory#maincontent
- Employee Assistance Programme – Time for Talking, a 24/7 support service (0800 970 3980)
- Our Moray Council Mental Health and Wellbeing Guide
- Walk-in, confidential ‘HealthPoint’ service at Dr Gray's Hospital that can signpost you to the appropriate service