Latest news with #physicalhealth
The Guardian
7 hours ago
- Lifestyle
- The Guardian
‘Your nether regions will know if you've skimped': 16 summer cycling essentials
Cycling is one of the most rewarding activities around. It's good for your physical and mental health, offers a carbon-free way of getting from A to B, and can often be the quickest and most cost-effective form of transport – particularly if you live in a city. The Guardian's journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. Learn more. Once you're hooked, there are a few bits of kit that will improve your experience immeasurably, whether that's comfortable clothing to curtail chaffing, or a water bottle to help you hydrate without stopping. In summer, the longer days and generally favourable conditions mean you can forgo additional accessories such as bike lights, mudguards and head-to-toe waterproofs – although they can't be avoided forever if you become a year-round, all-weather rider. Another bit of good news is that while cycling has a reputation for being an expensive pursuit, it doesn't have to be, and many of my favourite bits of kit have more affordable price tags. In the almost three decades since I set off stabiliser-free for the first time, I've dabbled in all types of cycling – from a teenage fling with BMXing to inner-city commuting and ultra-distance off-road escapades. In that time, I've tested all manner of clothing, tools and accessories, pushing them to the limit during races, events, training rides and the daily grind. Here's my favourite gear that I reach for before setting off on a summer ride. Although it performs a similar function to a generic sports base layer, a jersey is the first 'proper' bit of cycling gear worth investing in because of the additional comfort it offers. Made from a lightweight, breathable fabric, a jersey will wick away moisture from hotspots, while a full-length zip means you can 'ventilate' on the go. Three rear pockets store essentials such as food, tools and a phone, and unlike a running or gym top, the cut is slightly longer at the back for extra coverage when riding leant forward. My favourites, which perform well without breaking the bank, are Italian-designed Sportful SRK, which includes an extra zipped compartment for keys; the 100% recycled Rapha Core; the DHB Blok and its women-specific range, Moda; and the sub-£40 Madison Flux, which comes with a lifetime guarantee. Rapha Core women's jersey Sportful men's SRK jersey DHB Moda women's short-sleeve jersey 2.0 DHB Blok men's classic short-sleeve jersey Madison Flux men's short-sleeve jersey Bib shorts might seem like an indulgent (and expensive) purchase, but you get what you pay for – and your nether regions will let it be known if you've skimped. Fitted with a saddle-shaped section of foam in the crotch (known as a chamois), the shorts add an extra layer of padding beneath your perineum that keeps the area dry and cushioned on long rides. Just don't wear underwear, as this can negate the benefits. The straps may make the item resemble a wrestler's singlet, but they keep the shorts in place more comfortably than a waistband, which can dig in over time. As the male and female anatomy are quite different down there, it's worth opting for a gender-specific set. Albion's ABR1 are my go-to for ultra-distance exploits, arriving with handy pockets on each thigh and one at the rear for extra storage. The Gregarius Essential from Q36.5, meanwhile, are soft and supportive against the skin, and breathable too. And for women, 'Petrichor Projects' PP002 offer unbeatable comfort, with a cargo pocket, easy-pee design and sleek aesthetics,' says Katherine Moore, author of Gravel Rides South West England, who also recommends Velocio's Luxe line for all-day epics. 'They're made from a super-soft, compressive material with a built-in base layer front and lovely raw-finish leg hem. A thicker-style chamois pad is the go-to for longer rides.' Albion ABR1 men's pocket bib shorts Q36.5 Gregarius Essential bib shorts Petrichor Projects PP002 women's bib shorts Velocio women's Luxe bib shorts If you'd rather cover your modesty with a normal set of shorts, then opt for a pair of undershorts instead. Secured at the waist, rather than the shoulders, this padded set from Endura will soften the sting of any terrain (as I found out when mountain biking in Colorado), while the stretchy mesh fabric minimises the buildup of sweat, even when worn under non-technical clothing. Endura men's padded Clickfast liner shorts Endura women's padded Clickfast liner shorts Cotton caps were originally designed to protect bare heads from the sun, although today's peloton professionals will rarely wear one. Since you're unlikely to be chasing every watt on your commute, though, a cycling cap under your helmet is a good way to shield from the sun or take off the chill on cooler mornings, all while adding a splash of colour to your riding wardrobe. Prendas specialises in vintage cotton caps, with the Mapei design of the 90s and early 00s team one of the loudest around. The Giro d'Italia-inspired cap from the General Classification is a bit more subtle but oozes style. Mapei retro cotton cycling cap Tour of Italy cotton cycling cap Helmets are a source of contentious debate, but if you want a model that goes above and beyond the EN1078 European standard (which every cycling helmet sold is required to pass by law), the ARO3 Endurance by Oakley is a good choice. It includes an internal Mips (multi-directional impact protection system) layer, which can move independently of the outer shell in the event of a crash, helping to protect the brain. Its 19 vents keep the air flowing even on the warmest days, and the antimicrobial liner minimises odour, ride after ride. Oakley AR03 Endurance Mips helmet Although your feet are fairly static when riding a bike, all of those revolutions will soon have you working up a sweat inside your shoes. Any sports sock will do the job, but a cycling-specific pair will be much more comfortable, providing ventilation on the tops of your feet and padded toes to support every pedal stroke. Like caps, socks can enable you to add a splash of personality, and the fluoro finish of Aussie brand Maap's training sock is sure to get nods of approval at the traffic lights. Maap training sock Oversized sports sunglasses are a must-have fashion accessory this summer, but if you're more interested in conquering hills than the catwalk, you should prioritise a set that provides good coverage against sun, rain and unsuspecting insects – as well as ventilation to prevent you from fogging up. Decathlon's Van Rysel brand is renowned for its premium products, and its RoadR 900 shades can stand up to models from Oakley for a fraction of the cost. This pair comes with a photochromic, UV-filtering nylon lens that automatically adjusts depending on the sun's intensity, meaning no need to swap between lenses and cover them in grubby fingerprints in the process. The lens has also undergone an oil-repelling treatment that helps rain and road spray run from its surface. Decathlon Van Rysel RoadR 900 Perf sunglasses Most riders will need to drink at least 500ml of fluids an hour when cycling, and even more if it's hot. You can use any water bottle, but a bidon comes with an easy-to-open valve that allows you to refresh as you ride, so you don't need to stop to unscrew any lids. The Camelbak Podium is a time-honoured design that can carry up to 710ml, allowing you to ride for longer without running dry, and its insulated version keeps contents cold. Camelbak Podium water bottle Road cyclists take pride in their tan lines, but protecting your skin is more important than chasing a golden glow. A sports-specific sunscreen will handle sweat better than an everyday cream, and Ultrasun's Sports Gel does the job without leaving any greasy marks on your clothes. The fast-absorbing gel is easier to apply than a spray, and means you can quickly see whether you've covered all your exposed skin before setting off. Sign up to The Filter Get the best shopping advice from the Filter team straight to your inbox. The Guardian's journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. after newsletter promotion Ultrasun sports gel SPF30 Instead of forking out for a dedicated cycling computer for navigation and tracking, your phone can perform a similar function if you arm it with the right apps (see below). To keep an eye on directions or distance covered, you'll want to attach it to your bike front and centre with a mount on your stem (the part that joins your handlebars to your fork). Quad Lock's offering might look simple, but its twist and dual-lock system means you can trust it will hold your phone in place, and the included cable ties will fix it firmly to your bike. Quad Lock Bike Mount Pro stem mount Quad Lock Mag case for iPhone Cycle enough and you'll eventually come a cropper with a mid-ride mechanical. A puncture is the most common culprit, so it's a good idea to arm yourself with the tools and knowhow to fix one. Tyre levers and a pump are a must, and carrying an inner tube or two that are the same size as those installed on your wheels will be the quickest fix. A puncture-repair kit is always a good backup too. For other issues, such as loose fittings or a broken chain, Crankbrothers' pocket-sized F16 multitool has the hex bolt bits to get you out of most scrapes. If you have any carbon fibre components, Topeak's Ratchet Rocket Lite NTX+ includes a torque gauge to stop you overtightening (and damaging) your bike. Crankbrothers F16 Multitool Topeak Ratchet Rocket Lite NTX+ Pedro's tyre levers Decathlon inner tube repair patch replacement kit Lezyne V2 ABS pressure-drive hand pump A solid pair of shorts will go a long way to helping you avoid saddle sores, but applying a layer of chamois cream to the area pre-ride is a belt-and-braces approach. You need to apply only a small amount of this cooling, rehydrating formula from Assos to keep everything supple and chafe-free – even after 12 hours in the saddle. Assos chamois creme There's a cycling bag for every type of ride – from panniers perfect for the daily grind to the office, to big bikepacking setups that could survive a round-the-world expedition. For everyday exploring, though, you can't beat a handlebar bag. The 3.4l Lil Presto Barrel Bag by Wizard Works can comfortably carry a waterproof layer, nutritional provisions and a multitool, and its hard-shell Cordura construction will keep contents protected from the elements (with the rigidity making it easy to unzip on the go). Wizard Works Lil Presto barrel bag The cafe stop is a sacrosanct staple of any bike ride, and can sometimes be the sole motivation for saddling up. But cycling longer distances will require you to refuel well before you can tuck into your cappuccino and cake. Sports gels deliver a convenient, compact and easy-to-digest hit of carbohydrates, with a dose recommended every 20-30 minutes. Veloforte's energy gels are half the size of those from most other manufacturers, while the use of concentrated fruit juice rather than flavourings means you won't suffer from the flavour fatigue of more synthetic-tasting alternatives. Clif Bloks are a good option for those who prefer a more solid sugar hit. Veloforte Primo natural energy gel Clif Bloks Energy Chews Looking for some local ride inspiration, or planning something farther afield? There are a host of navigation apps that can suggest tailored tours based on duration, distance and difficulty, and their cycling-specific nature means you're rarely led astray (or on to a dual carriageway). Komoot is great for finding off-road-leaning trails and has its own easy-to-use route planner that includes user-recommended highlights. And if you already subscribe to Strava, in addition to tracking and displaying your speed and distance, the app has a route tool that can generate a loop based on the most popular roads and paths. For those who prefer printed guides, Jack Thurston's Lost Lanes books are a brilliant resource and offer well-researched routes with accompanying downloadable directions. Komoot Strava Lost Lanes Southern England Pounding the pedals can leave you with sore muscles, so ramp up your recovery with a massage gun. Theragun's third-generation Mini packs an almighty punch considering its size, and is small enough to stow in a pannier if you're out on a multi-day adventure. Its three-head attachments can delve deep into aches and pains in your quads, calves and lower back, and its guided routines are handy for those new to knot-busting. Theragun mini third generation For more, read our roundup of the best massage guns Charlie Allenby is a health and fitness journalist who puts running and cycling gear through its paces on increasingly ridiculous endurance challenges
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Excessive screen time is linked to heart health risks in kids, research shows
Screen time doesn't just affect mental health. It may also take a toll on the physical health of children and teens, according to new research. Published in the Journal of the American Heart Association Wednesday, the research found 10- and 18-year-olds who spent more time focused on devices, including phones, televisions, computers and gaming consoles, were at higher risk for cardiometabolic diseases, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol and insulin resistance. The study used data from more than 1,000 participants in two Danish studies. Researchers gave a score to each participant representing their risk for the diseases compared to the average risk of the group, measured in standard deviations, with 0 meaning average risk and 1 meaning one standard deviation above average. Each extra hour of screen time increased the patient's overall risk by about 0.08 standard deviations in 10-year-olds and by 0.13 standard deviations in 18-year-olds, the study's authors said. "It's a small change per hour, but when screen time accumulates to three, five or even six hours a day, as we saw in many adolescents, that adds up," lead author David Horner, a researcher at the University of Copenhagen in Denmark, said in a news release. Researchers found 18-year-olds were on devices about 6 hours a day, on average, while 10-year-olds averaged 3 hours a day. They also found sleep impacted the results, with both less sleep and later bedtimes amplifying the relationship between screen time and heart health risks. That suggests screen time may harm health by "stealing" time from sleep, they said. "Limiting discretionary screen time in childhood and adolescent may protect long-term heart and metabolic health," Horner said. "Our study provides evidence that this connection starts early and highlights the importance of having balanced daily routines." The research was observational, meaning it found associations rather than proved cause and effect. It also had some limitations, including that participants self-reported screen time, which might not accurately reflect how much time they were actually on devices. It adds to a growing body of research about the possible effects of screen time and digital devices on young people's health and well-being. In 2023, the U.S. surgeon general urged parents to create "tech-free zones" for kids. More than half of states now have laws in place to restrict or ban cellphones in schools, and several more have proposed similar legislation. Quadruple murder suspect captured in Tennessee, officials confirm State Department puts out request for foreign nutrition aid Breaking down the crime drop reported by FBI Solve the daily Crossword
CBS News
7 days ago
- Health
- CBS News
Excessive screen time is linked to heart health risks in kids, new research shows
Screen time doesn't just affect mental health. It may also take a toll on the physical health of children and teens, according to new research. Published in the Journal of the American Heart Association Wednesday, the research found 10- and 18-year-olds who spent more time focused on devices, including phones, televisions, computers and gaming consoles, were at higher risk for cardiometabolic diseases, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol and insulin resistance. The study used data from more than 1,000 participants in two Danish studies. Researchers gave a score to each participant representing their risk for the diseases compared to the average risk of the group, measured in standard deviations, with 0 meaning average risk and 1 meaning one standard deviation above average. Each extra hour of screen time increased the patient's overall risk by about 0.08 standard deviations in 10-year-olds and by 0.13 standard deviations in 18-year-olds, the study's authors said. "It's a small change per hour, but when screen time accumulates to three, five or even six hours a day, as we saw in many adolescents, that adds up," lead author David Horner, a researcher at the University of Copenhagen in Denmark, said in a news release. Researchers found 18-year-olds were on devices about 6 hours a day, on average, while 10-year-olds averaged 3 hours a day. They also found sleep impacted the results, with both less sleep and later bedtimes amplifying the relationship between screen time and heart health risks. That suggests screen time may harm health by "stealing" time from sleep, they said. "Limiting discretionary screen time in childhood and adolescent may protect long-term heart and metabolic health," Horner said. "Our study provides evidence that this connection starts early and highlights the importance of having balanced daily routines." The research was observational, meaning it found associations rather than proved cause and effect. It also had some limitations, including that participants self-reported screen time, which might not accurately reflect how much time they were actually on devices. It adds to a growing body of research about the possible effects of screen time and digital devices on young people's health and well-being. In 2023, the U.S. surgeon general urged parents to create "tech-free zones" for kids. More than half of states now have laws in place to restrict or ban cellphones in schools, and several more have proposed similar legislation.
Telegraph
30-07-2025
- Health
- Telegraph
‘I would be lost without him': Telegraph writers on International Friendship Day
July 30 marks International Friendship Day. While another overly-Americanised celebration to many, our authors took the chance to acknowledge the professional friendships they have formed at The Telegraph and beyond over the years. Whether providing company at lunch or a sympathetic ear to gossip with over coffee, health experts are unanimous on both the mental and physical benefits to the body of long-term friendships. Zoe Jane Hindle, a functional wellness practitioner and creator of the hormone health course Busy Gal says: 'Oxytocin is the hormone that is released in response to physical touch, eye contact, emotional connection and building trust.' 'Oxytocin helps to reduce cortisol as it calms the signalling between the brain and the adrenals, it also helps regulate emotional resilience, supports progesterone production and improves sleep quality.' Nicky Keay, a hormone health expert, says that good health requires focus in three different areas: physical, mental and social. 'See friendship as a long-term investment – you should naturally lean on these friendships as you get older,' she says. Do you have a long-term friendship that has helped you through difficult times? Someone you can always rely on to brighten your day or talk about the news? Let us know in the comments. Lisa and Mick If you had told me 36 years ago that one day I would be 'in charge' of Mick Brown, I'd have been dumbfounded. I pitched up at the offices of a yet-to-be-launched paper in 1989 with ideas about being a news journalist formed from watching films. Mick was my editor and was blessed with equal amounts of brilliance, patience and charisma – coming to work was a joy, I learnt so much from him and I was heartbroken when it came to an end 18 months later. But reading Mick's work over the years, and seeing him from time to time, crystallised just what a fantastic fella he continues to be… and it was with utter delight that I saw him sitting at a desk when I arrived at The Telegraph a few years ago. Yes, in theory I'm his boss but when we sit down to discuss a feature, it's usually over lunch at the local greasy spoon with diversions into shared loves such as Steely Dan tunes, Margaret Howell knitwear and Sardinian holidays. He still makes coming to work a joy. In 1989 I was editing the features and review section of a start-up newspaper called The Sunday Correspondent. Staffing the section from scratch, and keen to find somebody attuned to a young and female audience, I interviewed a 24-year-old journalist who had been working on Elle magazine, and who arrived for the interview on a motorbike, dressed in black leathers, helmet under her arm. Quick, clever, and keen, she got the job. She is now what is described as my line-manager – a title that makes it sound as if we both work for the railways. I just call her my boss. Journalism is a carousel. Friends and colleagues come and go in your life, and often come back again. I was very happy when Lisa came back. We have much the same taste in music, films and books, and we are both passionate about journalism. She is delightful company – well, most of the time anyway – and how many people can say that about their boss? In short, we are on the same page which is a very good thing for two journalists to be. Dom and Francis Francis and I were thrown together by our wonderful pal David Knowles as co-hosts of The Telegraph 's podcast Ukraine: The Latest, which has gone out every weekday since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022. We tragically lost David a year ago, but Francis and I have carried on everyday from London, Ukraine and around the world, reporting the news, explaining the context and interviewing guests including presidents, military chiefs, Ukrainian rock stars, young chess prodigies in war-torn Odesa, and everyone in between. Throughout, and despite his very dodgy fashion choices, I have breathed a little easier when I knew Francis was with me, secure in the knowledge that today's broadcast would be just as good as yesterday's, and just as good as David would have produced. Despite not knowing the difference between a T-72 tank and a BMP-3 infantry fighting vehicle (and, incredibly, showing not the slightest desire to have me teach him), I have come to accept Francis's idiosyncrasies with criticism that never goes beyond that which is absolutely necessary. After three years, though, I grudgingly accept that I would be lost without his steady hand, deep sense of duty and resolute spirit. I am 20 years older than Francis, but we both wish we could be the other's age and, importantly, act accordingly. I think that's why our friendship works. But he's really got to do something about those clothes. It's scary to admit, but over the past 1,200 days – roughly the length of your average medieval siege – I've spent more time with Dom Nicholls than anyone else in my life. Barely a day has passed without at least one message exchanged, and that's before you even factor in our time in recording studios, war zones, and international airports serving questionable coffee. And yet, somehow – despite routinely mocking each other's fashion choices (Dom's wardrobe appears to be inspired by a midlife crisis at a beach bar) – we've never once had a proper argument. The closest I came was in Kharkiv last year. After a night of little sleep as a result of air raids, I went to meet Dom at the station. It was late, packed, and I must have run up and down the place six times like some kind of stressed-out courier pigeon. When I finally found him, he looked as relaxed as if he'd just stepped off a cruise. I, meanwhile, was drenched in sweat and slightly feral. 'Why didn't you pick up your phone?' I demanded. 'I knew you'd find me,' he replied – which was, annoyingly, the nicest thing one friend can say to another. To an outsider, we must seem like a mismatched pair. I favour suits and ties; Dom dresses like he's heading to a barbecue. This is especially baffling given he spent 25 years in uniform – you'd think he'd have a lingering fondness for a tailored jacket. But beneath the aesthetic chaos, we share much: a sense of humour, of responsibility, and a belief that the work matters. At events, people sometimes lean in like they're about to reveal a state secret and whisper, 'Do you two actually get along?' I always say: we couldn't do this every day if we didn't. Our reporting, while a great privilege, is often emotionally exhausting – but Dom believes, as I do, that there is always hope, even in the darkest times. When we lost David, it was Dom who called to tell me. I can only imagine how hard that was for him – but I genuinely can't think of anyone I'd rather have heard it from. Samuel Johnson once wrote, 'Every man thinks meanly of himself for not having been a soldier.' I know the feeling. But I count myself incredibly lucky to work so closely with one – even if I still think he shouldn't be afraid to wear a tie now and then. Laura and Rachel While far beyond cliché by this point, the siren call for all Gen Z and Millennial women by Dolly Alderton still rings true. Her musing that 'Almost everything I know about love I have learnt from my long-term female friendships' is more than apt when it comes to Laura. At the beginning of May 2023 I whipped around to an American accent coming from another desk; hardly a common occurrence in Tele Towers. That first coffee run turned into daily lunches and in the two years that have followed we have become almost inseparable. Laura came from The Times, and the US before that where she had both worked and studied. Her charming accent, a unique hybrid between the States and Leeds, has quickly become a fixture of the newsroom, bringing calm to even the most stressful of breaking news days. In the years that followed, rarely a week a has passed without at least two evenings out together at various work events or just for fun. Laura has a calm sense of self that can riddle the most complex of professional or personal trials with sagacity. Expertly deploying her specialised state-side meets British stiff-upper-lip blend in knowing exactly when emotion is, and more importantly, isn't needed, Even during Laura's secondment to Washington DC where she covered the US Election, stressful work schedules and a six-hour time difference proved no match for our daily 20-minute voice notes and FaceTimes. I even crossed the pond for the first time to visit her last December. They say of modern day friendships, that presence is a luxury. In a world of instant messages often taking president over more meaningful moments, imagine how rich I feel to spend every day together, just a few desks apart. We may both be only children, but she truly feels like the wiser, wittier sister I never had. Gordon and Christopher They say friendships forged in battle are often stronger than the bond between siblings, and you don't have to have fought in a war to know exactly how that feels. Journalism, like the Armed Forces, is a career in which adversity has to be overcome on a daily basis, as the troops (reporters) fend off the twin threats of the enemy (other news organisations) and your superiors. In both cases, it's a great way to find out who your real friends are. For nearly two decades, the person who has perhaps best fitted that description in my life is Chris Hope, with whom I have shared office space for most of my Telegraph career, both at HQ and in our cramped, stifling outpost in Parliament, reporting on everything from the MPs expenses scandal to general elections. Chris is one of those people who will always have your back both professionally and personally. Equally importantly, he also sees the funny side (and very often the sheer absurdity) of any situation and laughter is a given when Chris is around, usually at his own expense. He is now doing brilliantly as GB News 's political editor, having left The Telegraph to make the switch into broadcasting, but few days go by without us contacting each other for a laugh or a gossip about what our colleagues or acquaintances have been up to. Our wives have become friends too. Another thing that's a given with Chris is trust. We can discuss anything without having to worry about it being repeated. A true friend is a safe space, and Chris is both to me. It's just a shame he supports Liverpool. Millie and Shauna We met each other at work and from the very beginning there was something easy about our connection. We only spent a short amount of time together on the same desk, but what started as a professional relationship quickly turned into something much more meaningful. We started spending more time together outside of work – grabbing coffee, venting about difficult days and becoming each other's sounding board for both personal and professional challenges. Our conversations flowed effortlessly, from work deadlines to deeper topics like family, relationships and future goals. Earlier this year, we took a leap and moved in together (along with our friend Eleanor). People might assume it would be too much to see each other every day both at work and at home, but for us, living with each other has been a continuation of the comfort we found in each other's company. In fact, we even walk home from the office together when we can. We hang out most evenings, binge-watching Girls or Sex in the City while talking through our days. On weekends, we're often out together at parties, catching up with friends, or impulse buying more table runners and vases for our beautiful new home. What makes this friendship special is the balance we've found. We support each other without judgement, challenge each other to grow and celebrate each other's wins – big or small. It's rare to find someone who understands both the demands of your job and the nuances of your personal life and we feel lucky to have found that in each other. Our friendship is a reminder that some of the best relationships begin in the most ordinary places and can evolve into something truly valuable and lasting.
Associated Press
22-07-2025
- Health
- Associated Press
Hong Kong Men Prioritise Tech Over Health, New Study Reveals
AXA Global Healthcare study highlights worrying gaps in how men prioritise their mental and physical health HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 22 July 2025 - Men in Hong Kong are significantly more likely to prioritise repairing a device or resolving a banking issue than seeking help for potential signs of serious illness, a new study reveals. The research, commissioned by AXA Global Healthcare, highlights a concerning pattern in how men respond to health issues - particularly when it comes to early action and preventative care. While almost all respondents (95%) said they would fix a broken laptop within a week, only a third (33%) would act as quickly if they noticed potential red flags in their own health - such as unexpected changes in weight, bowel habits or a suspicious mole. Even symptoms like unusual fatigue (just 27%) and high levels of stress (24%) failed to prompt swift action in many cases, despite being possible early signs of more serious conditions. In contrast, men in Hong Kong reported far greater urgency when dealing with money, work commitments or vehicles. An overwhelming majority said they'd act urgently if they lost their mobile phone (99%) or bank card (98%), while 96% said they'd prioritise responding to a text or call from their boss. Personal health concerns also took a back seat to pet welfare, with 72% saying they'd respond quickly if their pet seemed unwell. By comparison, only 64% said they'd see a health professional at all if something felt wrong. Instead, 45% said they'd consult the internet first, and around 10% would turn to AI or a health app for answers. James Swatton, Senior Distribution Leader – Asia, at AXA Global Healthcare, said: 'It's clear that for many men, computers, money and even work come before their own health. We urgently need to normalise a more proactive approach to wellbeing - not just wait for something to go wrong.' The survey of 272 Hong Kong men highlights a critical opportunity to shift behaviour towards more proactive health engagement. While only a minority trust digital health for diagnosis, 31% said they'd feel more confident acting on a health concern if a digital tool flagged it – suggesting potential for wearable devices, trackers, or smart alerts to help bridge the gap. To help make healthcare simpler and easier to access, AXA Global Healthcare recently launched a new all-in-one healthcare app that allows members to connect with qualified doctors anytime, by phone or video. Beyond consultations, the app supports users in managing their lifestyle by recording and tracking key physical and mental wellbeing metrics. These wellness trackers deliver insights that enable users to better understand their general health patterns and achieve personalised wellbeing goals. Swatton added: 'Preventative health shouldn't feel like an afterthought. By tracking physical and mental metrics, users can gain valuable insights that empower them to manage their lifestyle more proactively and work towards their wellbeing goals. Just as you'd regularly check your car or laptop to keep things running smoothly, building habits around your health can lead to better outcomes and greater peace of mind.' 'For men living or working abroad, this is even more important. Navigating foreign healthcare systems can be confusing and stressful, especially when you're dealing with an unfamiliar language, different medical practices, or insurance rules. Having quick, easy access to trusted healthcare - wherever you are in the world - can make all the difference.' Note to editors About the research Research was carried out online by Obsurvant. All surveys were conducted in May 2025. The samples comprised of 2,083 UK nationals, 512 UAE nationals and 272 Hong Kong nationals. All research conducted adheres to the UK Market Research Society (MRS) code of conduct (2023). Obsurvant is registered with the Information Commissioner's Office and complies with the DPA (2018). Hashtag: #AXA The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
