Men go to their GP half as often as women and it is estimated that more than 100,000 men a year in the UK die prematurely. Be aware of changes to your health, and see your GP if you notice something that's not right.  Find out more here.

Lifestyle

How we refuel our bodies properly and relax will determine our physical and mental health. We know cooking from scratch properly, finding a physical activity you enjoy to relax and sharing some time with others will boost our reserves and increase energy. 

The Eatwell Guide - Food and nutrition gives advice on a balanced diet.

We know obesity, smoking, alcohol and inactivity shortens lives. Small changes make a BIG difference so you just need to choose where to start. 

Prostate Disease

Each year about 36,000 men in the UK are diagnosed with prostate cancer, making it the most common cancer in men. It mainly affects men aged over 50.

Symptoms of an enlarged prostate include 

• difficulty in starting to pass urine
• a weak, sometimes intermittent flow of urine
• dribbling of urine before and after urinating
• a frequent or urgent need to pass urine
• rarely, blood in your urine when passing urine

These symptoms aren't always caused by prostate cancer and are often caused by age related prostate enlargement (BPH) but if you have them, see your GP.   Find out more about the symptoms, causes and diagnosis of prostate cancer by using the resources below.

NHS Inform - Prostate Cancer

Testicular Cancer

Testicular cancer, though the most common cancer in young men, it is still quite rare. With 2000 new cases being diagnosed each year, this makes it the biggest cause of cancer related death in 15 - 35-year-old males. It accounts for around 70 deaths a year within the UK alone.  The most common symptom of testicular cancer is swelling or a lump in one of the testes (your balls). There is no current screening test therefore it is important that you look out for the following signs and symptoms:

• A lump or swelling in one of your testes
• A pain or ache or heaviness in your testes (or sometimes your lower tummy)
• A sudden collection of fluid in your scrotum

NHS Inform - Information on Testicular Cancer

Mental Health 

We often dont like to talk about how we are feeling and think we can carry on and solve everything alone. All the evidence is that communicating well, sharing social and physical activities makes us feel better in ourselves and function better. The first steps are often the hardest when asking for help and it can take a bit of practice. Please see our sections on mental health and addiction.

Employment and Activity  

The Ridge SCIO – Inspiring transformational change (the-ridge.org.uk) is a great project in Dunbar which aims to provide local support and training opportunities for people to help  move towards independence, contribution and fulfilment in work and activity.  They have a drop in centre on the high street in Dunbar and can support people who are vulnerable or dealing with addiction.

Men's Sheds

Men’s sheds is a national charity.  They describe their role as, “They're community spaces for men to connect, converse and create. The activities are often similar to those of garden sheds, but for groups of men to enjoy together. They help reduce loneliness and isolation, but most importantly, they’re fun.”

There are several groups in East Lothian. For more information click here

Andy’s Man Club

Andy’s Man Club offers support for men and there are groups in Dunbar and Prestonpans.

“At ANDYSMANCLUB, we want to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health and create a judgment-free, confidential space where men can be open about the storms in their lives. We aim to achieve this through weekly, free-to-attend peer-to-peer support groups for men aged over 18.”