Men tend to be less active as they get older and are less likely than women to go to health services for physical and mental health problems. Men are also less likely to acknowledge illness or seek help when sick.

To mark Men’s Health Week during June 14-20, the Irish Heart Foundation is encouraging men of all ages to get their hearts pumping by being physically active. According to the national charity fighting heart disease and stroke, not being active carries the same health risk as smoking, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

To get started, men and their partners and friends are encouraged to take up the Irish Heart Foundation’s 5-week Step Challenge starting on June 14th. The aim of the Step Challenge is to build up to 10,000 steps each day using a pedometer which is a great motivator counting the steps as you go.

For more information on the Step Challenge contact Ann Scanlon 01-6685001 or email ascanlon@irishheart.ie or see www.irishheart.ie

Did you know?
• Nearly 5,000 men die from diseases of the heart and circulatory system in Ireland each year
• An Irish man has a life expectancy almost 5 years lower than female life expectancy
• The  prevalence of overweight (46%) and obesity (20%) among men in Ireland is currently ranked 8th in the EU 25 and is rising at a rate of 1% per annum. It is projected that 33% of men in Ireland will be clinically obese by 2015.