Promoting men’s heart health during Men’s Health Week

Raising awareness of ‘heart health’ was the focus of this year’s Men’s Health Week in June, taking into account that Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) is the most common cause of death – and premature death – for men in the UK. Heart Disease disproportionately affects men and especially men in lower income groups.

Men’s Health Forums throughout the Western Isles organised a series of events for men throughout the week (June 11-17), as well as offering health information and advice to men on heart health. Events included the following:

Treasuring Men’s Health

As part of National Men’s Health Week (Western Isles), coordinated by NHS Western Isles’ Healthy Working Lives, Pursuit Hebrides organised a father and son Treasure Hunt in the Castle Grounds on Saturday June 16. A band of 17 brave souls navigated the woods with their treasure map, completing a host of challenges to outsmart the pirate and unearth the treasure! Everyone involved had a fantastic time, fully committing to the mental, physical and even outrageous challenges!

Roy Macphail, Pursuit Hebrides, commented: “I’m delighted the event was so well supported; many thanks to those who came along and gave it their all. The ‘experienced’ treasure hunters showed just as much enthusiasm as their youthful team members. One team even turned to nature for help, after losing their pen they wrote their answers with a twig! That’s the Bear Grylls styled commitment we were looking for!”

Football

The local Comhairle’s Sport and Health Department organised a Works and Trade seven-a-side football competition at the All Weather Pitch in Stornoway on Wednesday June 13. Around 70 men attended the event, and those taking part ranged from 16 to over 50, with varying degrees of football skills. Matches were very close with Team Aces winning.

Golf

Members of Stornoway Golf Club organised a golf texas scramble on Thursday June 14. The competition was over 12 holes; each team starting at a different one, so all would finish at the same time. Winners were Norman, Neil and David (all NHS Western Isles employees) and Kenny (not pictured). Members of Harris Golf Club also organised a supervised play and competition on Tuesday June 14.

Fishing

 North Uist Angling Club organised a fly casting instruction night at Amhor, North Uist, on Wednesday June 15, which was enjoyed by all.

 Salvation Army Lunch Club

Health Promotion staff attended the Tuesday and Thursday lunch club. Health information along with fruit cocktails were given to all attendees and lifestyle discussions took place with those present.

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