Colloide focused on Men’s Health Week this year on the 10th – 16th June. Men’s Health Week serves as a crucial initiative aimed at enhancing awareness and understanding of men’s health issues. It encourages men to actively manage their health and seek professional help for any concerns they may be facing.

At Colloide, we recognise the inseparable link between mental and physical health and advocate for addressing both with equal importance. Men’s Health Week is pivotal in fostering a supportive environment where well-being conversations are normalised and encouraged.

The Importance of Men’s Health

The importance of Men’s health focuses on not only physical health but also mental health and this is underscored by some startling statistics that reflect the challenges many men face, such as: 

• One man in five dies before the age of 65. 

• Four in five suicides are by men, suicide is the biggest cause of death for men under 35. 

• A third of construction workers live and work with severe levels of anxiety. 

• In 2021, there was 6,319 suicides registered in the UK, which 507 were in construction alone.

The DIY Man MOT

The DIY Man MOT is a self-check protocol designed to help men monitor their health and catch potential issues early by conducting a straightforward check. DIY Man MOT comprises of five tests including: 

1. Checking your “engine”: this is evaluating heart health through pulse monitoring, assessing both resting pulse and recovery rate. 
2. Checking whether you are “overloaded”: this check includes checking your weight using waist measurements based on height. 
3. Checking your “dashboard for warning lights”: this check is to give attention to any potential warning signs such as changes in moles, unexplained shortness of breath, unexplained pain or persistent coughs, which serve as indicators of possible further medical issues. 
4. Check the “water”: this is relating to checks on urinary health to detect any unusual changes.
5. Check your “pressure”: this check involves monitoring blood pressure; this can be done at most GP’s offices’ where a machine is often found to provide accurate readings. 

This manual empowers men to understand health guidelines tailored to their personal attributes like height, weight, and age using guidelines given, encouraging early detection of potential issues. By following the DIY Man MOT, men can gain valuable insights into their health and address any concerns promptly with their GP. This ultimately contributes to improved overall well-being.

Colloide’s Part in Participating in Men’s Health Week

This year as part of our focus on Men’s Health Week at Colloide, we took the approach to encourage trust, open conversations and overall wellbeing among our male staff. To achieve this, we organised a darts challenge and a BBQ at both our Cookstown and Limavady offices. The events took place on the 12th and 13th of June and centred around friendly competition. Our staff showcased impressive dart-throwing skills while engaging in conversations, sharing laughs, and uplifting one another. Following the dart competition, we hosted a BBQ, serving up burgers and hotdogs. This casual setting provided a perfect opportunity for staff to relax and bond further, reinforcing the importance of social connections in maintaining mental health. 

Colloide’s Commitment to Men’s Health This Week and Every Week

At Colloide, we are dedicated to fostering awareness and promoting conversations about men’s physical and mental health throughout the year. By leveraging Men’s Health Week, we aimed to challenge the stigma associated with mental health issues and create supportive environments both within the workplace and beyond. This week, and every week, we are committed to making men’s health a priority, cultivating a culture where seeking help is viewed as a step towards strength and recovery, not a sign of weakness. 

Culture Hub: Nurturing a Supportive Environment

At the heart of our commitment to employee wellbeing is our Culture Hub, which serves as the cornerstone of our organisational culture. The Culture Hub embodies three pillars: Wellbeing, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), and Excellence. These pillars guide our efforts to create a workplace where employees can thrive personally and professionally. At Colloide, we firmly believe that our employees are our greatest asset. That’s why we prioritise their health, happiness, and professional growth. By nurturing a supportive environment through our Culture Hub. Find out more on what we have been doing in our Colloide Culture Hub 2024.