12th – 16th June marks this year’s Men’s Health Week. The aim of the campaign is to ensure men and boys are able to access health information and services, so that they may live longer, healthier lives. One in five men die before the age of 65 – Men’s Health Forum strive to change this through research, raising awareness, and health promotion.

This year’s theme for Men’s Health Week is ‘Men’s Health and the Internet’. There are many benefits to the development of smart technology, including the availability of health information and services online. However, there are a number of downsides too, including addiction and the negative impact on mental health.

Dopamine is one of the main chemical messengers in the brain. It helps to create feelings of reward and pleasure, and contributes to concentration, memory, and feelings of interest. In short, it makes us feel good. Smart phones can be a dopamine trigger – one that we always have with us. Many websites and apps are designed to keep your interest, ensuring you return to it regularly; this is particularly true of social media. Therefore, the risk of addiction is high. Though an addiction to an app or your phone may not seem ‘serious’ – the effects of such an addiction can be. For example:

  • the impact on finances – not just gambling addictions, but also feeling the need to ‘keep up’ with others in games or on social media
  • the impact on relationships – prioritising your phone over friends, family, or a partner
  • the impact on work – productivity may be lessened, time management may suffer
  • the impact on mental health – awareness of the above, comparing yourself to others online, the impact on mental health can be severe

Studies have found men are far less likely to seek medical help than women, with reasons such as being too busy/unable to book an appointment due to work, and not wanting to burden the NHS. Though health surveillance is a matter of compliance, it is a great opportunity for employees to speak to a health professional. In our experience, this is particularly true for employees working away from home, who are therefore unable to attend their regular GP practice. Regular health reviews also help to find abnormal results, and monitor a person’s health. While keeping you complaint, statutory health assessments are a great way for you to care for and support your employees.

If you have an employee who is suffering from ill health, and would like advice on how best to support them, contact us here. We’re also happy to have a chat with you about the appropriate health assessments for your employees – read more about what services we offer here.

You can read more about the Men’s Health Forum Men’s Health Week public health campaign here.