Men must take responsibility for their own health warns minister

That was the warning from Health Minister Edwin Poots as he opened a men’s health event in Belfast City Hall aimed to heighten the awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of disease among men and boys.

The event is part of the efforts to highlight Men’s Health Week.

The Minister said: “The improvement of men’s health-related behaviours is a vitally important challenge for our society.

“All too often, there is a reluctance to seek help at times of difficulty or to take part in health improvement programmes that are arranged by GPs and other healthcare professionals.

“It is vital that this is addressed, as many illnesses and conditions such as bowel, prostate and testicular cancer can be treated successfully if diagnosed at an early stage.”

The Minister also went on to emphasise the importance of having a healthy lifestyle in helping to maintain good health.

He said: “Behaviours such as smoking, drinking to excess, having unhealthy eating habits and a lack of physical activity are hugely influential in causing disease.

“Too many men rely on other people in their lives to make health care arrangements for them.

“Men have to take more responsibility for their own health.

“They need to decide to make healthier choices and we need to provide the means to support them in their efforts.”