Men’s Health Week: Time for Your MOT
Men’s Health Week officially begins June 13th this year, a week which highlights the importance of men checking up on their physical and mental health. This year’s theme is Time for Your MOT, which encourages men to go and get their health checked. #manMOT
Physical Health
The cancer charity Macmillan has estimated that around 50,000 men missed a cancer diagnosis during the pandemic. Prostate cancer diagnoses fell 29% between 2019 and 2020 because men weren’t visiting their GPs to get diagnosed. This is especially troubling because approximately 47,500 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer every year (around 129 men every day). Also, male GP visits fell more than female visits, which may be a reflection of the fact that men are often more hesitant to seek help. This is why it’s important for men to regularly check in with how they feel physically and seek further support when necessary.
Mental Health
As well as physical health checkups, men should also check in with how they feel mentally, especially since suicide is the leading cause of death in men under the age of 35. Studies have shown that men have less access to the support of friends, family and community. Furthermore, a survey on Twitter revealed that many men cited stigma and societal attitudes towards mental illness, as the main reasons why they find it difficult to open up about mental health issues.
How Can Men Get Their Health MOT?
First of all men can do a car themed DIY MOT at home by following the guidelines provided by the Men’s Health Forum. They can then get an NHS health check and go to see a GP, or use NHS 111 for any immediate concerns.
Test 1: Is your engine tuned? - Resting heart rate test
Test 2: Are you overloaded? - Waist circumference
Test 3: Look out for dashboard ‘warning lights’ - Physical changes
Test 4: Wobbly gear stick? - Sexual functions
Test 5: Check the water - Toilet frequency
Test 6: Day-to-day performance - Energy levels
Test 7: Check your pressure - Blood pressure
Additional Mental Health Support
Please visit Samaritans, National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK, Mind or use the NHS urgent mental health helpline. Also, don’t hesitate to reach out to friends, family and the community around you, or join a support group where you can share your experiences with other like-minded individuals.
How Else Can Men Look After Their Health?
It’s no secret that stress has a huge impact on both physical and mental health, which is why eating healthily, exercising regularly and taking time out to relax, breathe and meditate are extremely important. A very effective tool which takes care of both the mind and body is floatation therapy. An hour of floating is shown to reduce cortisol and other stress-related neuro-chemicals, allowing the mind and body to rest and heal. Floating also helps improve sleep due to high concentrations of the relaxation mineral, magnesium, in the water. Furthermore, when floating, pressure is taken off of joints, muscles, ligaments and tendons, enabling faster physical recovery. Overall, floatation therapy provides a holistic approach to health and wellbeing by benefiting mind, body and soul.
Make floatation therapy a regular part of your health MOT by becoming a Floatworks member. We have monthly and annual subscriptions where you can float more for less.
You can also take advantage of our Father’s Day promotion and get 10% off by using the code DAD10 from 1 - 19 June 2022.
