Men’s free health check focuses on prevention

Every three hours one New Zealand man dies of a potentially preventable illness. A routine and regular health check up is all that is needed to take a positive step toward a preventative path.

During Men’s Health Week, 10-16 June 2013, New Zealand men are being given the opportunity to take charge of their health by completing a simple survey and taking a free Men’s Health Pit Stop Check at their local pharmacy.

The ‘What’s Your Score?’ survey covers a number of health and lifestyle related questions. The score helps men take charge of their health and wellbeing and is a great conversation starter with their local health professional, who can provide input on the next steps to lower risk of illness.

During Men’s Health Week pharmacies are offering a free Men’s Health Pit Stop Check in store throughout the country. Participating Amcal, Care Chemist, Life, Radius or Unichem Pharmacies will be offering a simple health check, including blood pressure, glucose levels and work-life balance, as well as consultation on your survey score.

Motorsport legend and Men’s Health Ambassador Greg Murphy says it is really important that New Zealand men become more proactive with managing their health.

“Just like a car needs regular servicing, our bodies need an annual warrant of fitness. So take action, check out your health score and take a Men’s Health Pit Stop Check. It’s free to do and prevention is always better than a cure,” he says.

Medical doctor and New Zealand men’s health researcher Dr Lannes Johnson says: “Men’s Health Week reminds us that men need to be aware of what our bodies are telling us and also perhaps not telling us. Sometimes there can be some underlying sinister issues that we don’t know about until it may be too late. That’s why it is so important men get proactive about their health by getting a check up.”

 

Dr Johnson says that men in New Zealand live on average four years less than women, yet are much less likely to talk to a GP about their health. Men are not taking time out of their working day to get to their GP for a check up which is a simple process and usually just involves a follow-up blood test.

“We need to be turning around these statistics and ensuring our Kiwi men are able to live long, fulfilling and healthy lives,” says Dr Johnson.

The Men’s Health survey can be completed online or pick up a brochure from your local pharmacy, fill out the survey and get your free Men’s Health Pit Stop Check at the same time.

Details of your local participating Amcal, Care Chemist, Life, Radius or Unichem Pharmacy are available at www.pharmacybrands.co.nz.

Men’s Health Week 2013 is sponsored by Master Builders, Caltex, Nature’s Own, Pit Stop and Amcal, Care Chemist, Life, Radius and Unichem Pharmacies, and supported by The Rock FM and M2 Magazine.

Note: The Men’s Health Week 2013 website will live by 20 May 2013.