Small steps to a long life

Men's Health Week has already begun for the new CEO of Cigna Life Insurance.

Lance Walker has made the principles of the nationwide event, which takes place from 9 – 15 June, part of his everyday working life for as long as he can remember.

"I believe in doing simple things to take care of yourself, and staying fit and healthy," he says, having just completed a run over Mt Victoria in Wellington.

This year Cigna is pleased to be a sponsor of Men's Health Week for the first time.

"We want to broaden our positioning to be more about health, well-being and a sense of security," says Lance.

"As an insurance company, we are naturally concerned about protecting people when bad things happen. But we also want to encourage people to do the right things with their health, which can help prevent critical illness events occurring in the first place," he says.

Lance believes that men in particular need to be much more proactive with their health.

"The 'she'll be right' attitude is deeply embedded in Kiwi male culture. We've got better at addressing it, but we still need to create the time and permission for men to be able to put their hands up and seek help," says Lance.

"We know New Zealand men live on average four years less than women, and have higher rates of strokes and heart disease and non-gender specific cancers.  Yet they still remain less likely to talk to a doctor about their health. Statistics tell us that one New Zealand man dies every three hours of a potentially avoidable illness; with death rates for Māori men nearly double that of non-Māori."

Men's Health Week will kick off with a special breakfast on June 9 attended by Men's Health Week ambassador and All Black legend, Michael Jones.

"It's great to have a public focus around men's health. Men need to be proactive about their health to ensure they live a long, happy life and now is the time to go and get your health checked," says Michael.

"It's important for me to stay healthy so I can be there for my wife and kids," he says, adding that, "sport has always been a big part of my life, so staying fit and healthy is essential."

Lance believes there are endless benefits for the community and the national economy when people are proactive with their health, including less strain on the public healthcare system, greater productivity and the personal rewards of feeling good and having the ability to lead an active lifestyle with loved ones for longer.

But he points out that Men's Health Week alone can't achieve this, and must instead be a platform for encouraging men to take responsibility for their health all year round.

"There are a number of organisations, in both the public and private sector, that have a role to play in keeping health issues front and centre of the public consciousness," says Lance.

Looking forward, Cigna plans to introduce a range of new products and services that closely identify the company with wellness and a sense of security.


Background information

Men's Health Week

Men are encouraged to visit www.menshealthweek.co.nz to take the 'What's Your Score?' health test, get information on a range of physical and mental health issues, check out numerous Men's Health Week events, and learn about seven simple steps to protect your health.

Cigna

Currently, Cigna offers a 10% discount on its LifeOne life insurance policy to those who already lead a healthy lifestyle by being non-smokers and maintaining a healthy Body Mass Index (BMI).



Lance Walker