Men encouraged to take ‘pit stop’ check on health

During Men’s Health Week (10-16 June 2013), New Zealand men are being given the opportunity to take charge of their health by completing a simple ‘what's your score’ survey and taking a free health ‘pit stop’ check at their local pharmacy. The survey covers a number of health and lifestyle-related questions, and the score is a conversation starter with their health professional, who can provide input on the next steps to lower their risk of illness. Motorsport legend Greg Murphy says it is important New Zealand men become more proactive about managing their health. “Just like a car needs regular servicing, our bodies need an annual warrant of fitness,” he says, in a media release for Men’s Health Week. Meanwhile, health researcher Dr Lannes Johnson says that men in New Zealand live on average four years less than women, yet are much less likely to talk to a GP about their health. “That's why it is so important men get proactive by going for a health check-up," he says. The free pit-stop checks are available during Men’s Health Week throughout the country. Participating pharmacies (Amcal, Care Chemist, Life, Radius or Unichem) will be offering a variety of simple health checks that may include a blood pressure or glucose-level check and work-life balance evaluation, as well as consultation on the survey score. The survey can be completed online or by picking up a brochure from a local participating pharmacy, and getting the free men’s pit-stop check at the same time. Also see: everybody Men's health centre for men's health topics and liveto100 for personal WOF tests and preventive healthcare information

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