This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Men's Health Week
13/06/2005
Scotland's men were today reminded of the need to stay
healthy and active as summer approaches.
Speaking at the beginning of Men's Health Week, Health
Minister Andy Kerr said:
"It's been a well-known fact for some time, that for a
number of reasons, Scotland's men are much more reluctant
than women to go to the doctor for regular check ups.
"This shouldn't be the case. Scotland is beginning to
shed its image of poor health but we need to do more.
"If we want the trend to improve, then everyone is going
to have to take more of an interest in their own health -
and that includes men.
"If they don't start taking an interest in their
lifestyle and wellbeing they could be causing real problems
for themselves both now and in later life.
"In the last few years we have announced considerable
investment into men's health and wellbeing, based around a
series of Well Men initiatives around the country.
"We're starting to see some results with clinics proving
popular and providing helpful advice and information.
"Lack of physical activity, along with poor diet, too
much alcohol and, above all, smoking are the key
contributors to ill health in this country.
"Making simple lifestyle choices combined with getting
regular health advice will help make a real difference and
I hope Men's Health Week will remind many men that they
should be looking out for their health."
Research has proven that men are less likely than women
to go to their GPs. In the 12 months ending in March 2003,
68 per cent of males, and 84 per cent of females had
contact with their GP. (Source: Sample of CMR (Continuous
Morbidity Recording) GP practices).
In 2002, coronary heart disease (CHD) accounted for 22
per cent of deaths in Scottish men and 18 per cent of
deaths in women. The Executive target is to reduce the
number of premature deaths from CHD for men and women by 50
per cent between 1995-2010.