Men’s Health
“As both a concept and social reality the evidence of the reciprocal relationship between poverty and resultant poor health status has been visible for some time. However, only relatively recently has the inequality of health status enjoyed by men and women been described” (Calman, 1992).
It has been suggested that when it comes to life expectancy there is no greater inequality than that between men and women. On average, men die five years younger than women, and those in areas of social deprivation may die as much as 10 years younger.
In Northern Ireland the average man can expect to live for 76.52 years and a woman for 81.63 years (Intute, 2009). In addition, men are four times more likely to die from heart disease, accidents and suicide than women and have a higher risk of death from strokes, cancer and respiratory diseases.
There are many reasons for this, such as poor diet, lack of exercise, smoking and a reluctance to seek help and advice for medical issues.
Simple changes can have a significant effect on men’s health. A brisk walk, cutting out some fatty foods or giving up cigarettes are just some of the changes that can be made. Losing the macho “I’ll walk it off” attitude is another change which needs to be made. seeking advice and medical attention at an early stage is vital for good men’s health.
Once again Men’s Health problems are exacerbated within areas of severe social deprivation, such as the South Belfast Highway to Health target areas.
There is not enough research to fully understand to how much greater the problem of poor men’s health is within the target areas, but it can be assumed with confidence it is a significant one.
Below are links to census information on each of South Belfast Highway to Health’s target areas
- Lower Ormeau (Botanic Ward SOA 5) click here
- Sandy Row (Shaftsbury Ward SOA 2) click here
- Donegall Pass (Shaftsbury Ward SOA 2) click here
- The Markets (Shaftsbury Ward SOA 1) click here
- The Village (Blackstaff Ward) click here
Useful Websites
www.mensproject.org
www.netdoctor.co.uk/menshealth
www.bbc.co.uk/northernireland
www.malehealth.co.uk
www.nichsa.com
www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk
