During Men’s Health Awareness Week, NHSGGC is reminding men to reach out for care as soon as they think they need it.
By accessing care at the earliest opportunity, they can avoid unnecessary emergencies when their health has declined and ensure timely intervention.
Men are also being asked to take up invitations for screening, and to use this week to think carefully about their health and how to look after it.
Dr Emilia Crighton, Director of Public Health at NHSGGC, said: “How many times have you heard a male friend or loved one put off getting the help they need, saying ‘Ach it’s just a scratch’, or ‘I’ll be fine – I don’t want to bother anyone’?
“It might be bravado, or it might be lack of knowledge, but it is important men look after themselves and access the most appropriate health services at the earliest opportunity.
“Looking after your health is the most important thing you can do, for your loved ones as much as yourself, and a range of services are available, across NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and through NHS Inform, to ensure you get the care you require.
“By encouraging men to prioritise their health and wellbeing this Men’s Health Awareness Week, we can have a positive impact on our communities.”
To help men know what to do, where to go, and how to access the help most appropriate to their needs, NHSGGC has created this simple checklist.
Illness and injury:
Common ailments: NHSGGC offers a range of primary care and specialised services that can help prevent negative health outcomes. Community pharmacies provide free advice and treatment for a wide variety of issues with over the counter and other medications. Dental practices provide all aspects of mouth and dental care and community optometrists deal with all eye conditions. GP practices offer a range of services delivered by a variety of health professionals, and many practices offer flexible access including telephone and video appointments meaning attending the surgery may not be required.
Injuries and more serious illness: If you’ve sustained an injury or are suffering from an illness that can’t be treated with a visit to the GP or community pharmacist, or you’re unsure about where to get help, please call NHS24 on 111. NHS24 is the national helpline that allows you to access a range of services, and there you will be given access to NHSGGC’s Virtual A&E, or Flow Navigation Centre, where trained clinicians will talk you through your condition and make sure you get the help you need.
Please remember – if you think your condition or injury is very urgent or life-threatening, you should call 999 or go to A&E immediately.
For more on accessing the right care in the right place, and NHSGGC’s ‘ABC’ campaign, go to: Right Care, Right Place – NHSGGC
Screening:
Bowel screening: Everyone between the ages of 50 and 74 is sent a bowel screening kit in the post every two years. Taking the test only takes a few minutes, and the aim is to find cancer at an earlier stage, before symptoms occur, when treatment is likely to be more effective. Bowel cancer is the second most common cause of death due to cancer in Scotland, and more than one-third of men don’t bother to return the test.
For more on bowel screening, go to: NHS Inform
Read one man’s story of how taking the test saved his life.
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Screening: AAA screening is offered to men aged 65 and over. It involves a one-off ultrasound scan of the abdomen, to identify and potentially treat bulges or swellings in the main blood vessel (aorta). This program aims to reduce the risk of AAA rupture, which can be potentially fatal, and men are encouraged to take up the invitation when they receive it. They can also self-refer if they are eligible and do not receive an invitation.
For more on AAA screening go to: NHS Inform
Physical and mental health:
Smoking is one of the single largest preventable causes of premature death and ill health, while excessive drinking can be a major contributing factor in physical and mental ill-health.
Men in Scotland are more likely to smoke and drink more than is recommended, so they are encouraged to take advantage of the many support resources available if they would like to quit, or to ensure they are drinking responsibly. Stop Smoking Support – Quit your way – NHSGGC
In Scotland, men are three times more likely to die by suicide than women, but they are also known to be less willing to reach out for support, and to talk about their mental health. Heads Up – Mental Health Support – NHSGGC
For more information on living well and looking after your physical and mental wellbeing, and for advice on where to access support if you need it, go to: Healthy living | NHS inform
