Men’s Health Forum
Want to feel better? Here are nine men’s health challenges that any man can do. We are confident they’ll make you healthier. Challenge your mates to do better than you.
Challenge 1: Order a soft drink next time you’re in the pub
Why? Three in 10 men are drinking in ways that could damage their health and 16 men die from alcohol related causes every day in the UK.
Note there are more calories in a pint of regular cola than in a pint of beer (about 240 to about 180) so if you’re switching regularly opt for fizzy mineral water.
Need more? Read Malehealth’s FAQs on drinking or read Richard’s story:
‘The day I admitted I was an alcoholic’
Challenge 2: Try some fruit or veg you’ve never tasted before
Why? Most blokes don’t eat enough fruit and veg. Five-a-day reduces the risk of heart disease and cancer — and will keep you regular.
Need more? Read malehealth’s FAQs on diet.
Challenge 3: Make at least one journey by foot or bike instead of car.
Why? Walking instead of using the car’s an obvious challenge — it helps your health, your bank balance and the environment.
Need more? Read: ‘You can get fit again and it’s easy. Walk.’ and Unfit? Start here:
Challenge 4: If you’re under 25 and sexually active, get checked for chlamydia.
Why? Chlamydia is the UK’s most common sexually transmitted infection. There are often no symptoms in men so you may not know you’ve got it
Need more? Read malehealth’s advice and links on chlamydia or read Ed’s story:
‘You can’t assume everyone has the same sexual attitude’
Challenge 5: Stressed out? Walk away before you blow up.
Why? Stress is another obvious challenge. We’ve all done things we regret when stressed or angry. You won’t regret walking away.
Need more? Read Malehealth’s FAQs on stress or Ian Banks excellent article: Everything you wanted to know about stress but were too busy to ask.
Challenge 6: Find out the opening hours of your local GP.
Why? Because many surgeries now allow you to go before and after work or at week-ends. Does yours?
Need more? Read Malehealth’s Guide to the NHS including all you need to find your local GP.
Challenge 7: Get your blood pressure checked within the next two weeks.
Why? It’s quick, easy and free. Many pharmacies will do it or ask the nurse at your surgery. High blood pressure can cause heart disease and strokes — but there are usually no symptoms
Need help? Read Nick’s story: ‘I only discovered my high blood pressure through a friend’s joke’
Challenge 8: If you smoke, get a mate to quit with you.
Why? If you smoke you probably think you know the risks. But two facts you might not be aware of are:
1. Over 120,000 men under 50 can’t get an erection because of smoking
2. You’re four times more likely to quit for good if you use the NHS Stop-Smoking Services than by going it alone.
Need help? Read Malehealth’s FAQs on smoking or read James’s story
Challenge 9: Sing
Why? The breathing control needed to sing – however badly – makes it one of the easiest and most effective ways to shed stress. Get the karaoke machine out.