Farmers get shoulder-to-shoulder for Men's Health Week
The free events in counties Mayo, Galway, and Roscommon will have a range of information stands, free health and wellbeing checks, and consultations.
Everyone is welcome to attend the following health fairs:
Balla Mart, Co. Mayo: June 7, 10:00a.m.-2:00p.m;
Ballina Mart, Co. Mayo; June 10, 10:00a.m.-2:00p.m;
Roscommon Mart, Co. Roscommon: June 13, 10:30a.m.-1:30p.m;
Maam Cross Mart, Co. Galway: June 14, 08:30a.m.-12:30p.m;
This year's theme is 'Shoulder-to-Shoulder: Connecting for Health', highlighting the importance of community and connection in supporting men's wellbeing.
From Saturday, June 7, to Sunday, June 15, across the three counties, a diverse programme of events will offer men of all ages the chance to engage, learn and to take proactive steps towards better health.
Health Service Executive (HSE) regional project lead for Men's Health Week, Laurence Gaughan, said; 'Men's Health Week provides an important opportunity to raise awareness of preventable health problems, support men and boys to live healthier lives and encourage them to seek help or treatment at an early stage'.
Men's mental help initiatives
Croí Hearth and Stroke Charity carried out an initiative last year, screening approximately 1,200 men, and found that a significant number of them had medical issues such as high blood pressure.
Gaughan said: 'Based on this previous research, this is a critical need.'
He added that the aim of this health week is to 'bring the message of men's mental health to them (farmers), not to have them wait to get information.'
A free online seminar on Wednesday, June 11 at 07.00p.m. will talk about men's mental health. Anyone wishing to sign up can scan the QR code in the poster below.
The programme is also carrying out a free online retirement webinar which will be held at Portershed, Market St, Galway city at 7.00p.m Thursday, June 12. To sign up, scan the QR code below.
The 'Taking stock' initiative began last March with the goal of educating farmers about mental health, succession, financial planning, and cardiovascular diseases.
There is now a joint effort by the HSE, Croí, Healthy Galway, Healthy Mayo, Healthy Roscommon, and the local marts to prioritise men's – in particular farmers' – health.
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