MEN'S HEALTH
Men's Health and the Internet
The statistics relating to internet and social media use and their impact on mental health can make for sobering reading. While older people may view social media, with perhaps a little more cynicism and willingness to question everything they see on screen, the younger generations brought up with social media are more vulnerable. Multiple studies have found a strong link between heavy internet use with an increased risk of depression, anxiety, loneliness, self-harm, and even suicidal thoughts. Using the internet isn't necessarily unhealthy, rather it has to do with the impact time spent on the internet and social media has on your mood and other aspects of your life, along with your motivations for using it.
Things you can do to lessen the impact of social media
Stay positive online: Surrounding yourself with good friends works well in real life, and it’s the same online. Adding everyone you see might increase a number, but it doesn’t create many meaningful interactions.
Digital Wellness: You can use an App to track time you spend on the internet and social media on your phone.
Take a break: Making time for yourself, to see and speak to friends in person, is a great way to make your mental health better in a social media context.
Seek help: If social media is making you feel anxious, stressed or depressed, it might be time to talk to someone about it. Talking to a Mental Health First Aider your GP or a counsellor about the way using the internet and social media makes you feel is a good first step toward improving your mental health.
Rich Ekins Product Development Manager NEXT retail shares his health story
Rich Ekins and friends preparing for a charity walk to raise funds for Testicular Cancer UK
I was diagnosed with testicular cancer
My name is Rich and I am a father of 2, husband, son and brother. In September 2022 I was diagnosed with Testicular Cancer, 6 months on and following surgery and chemotherapy I sit here feeling lucky.
But, I should have seen a doctor sooner! I had some strange unexplained pains that came and went and took too long before visiting my GP.
I've joined forces with the charity Testicular Cancer UK and during Men's Health Week want to raise awareness.
Phil Morris is a former British army soldier and was a boxer for his regiment and did operational tours. Phil was diagnosed with testicular cancer and there were times when he struggled during his treatment. He realised he just wanted to chat to someone who had been through it. To address this and to support young men he set up what was then Checkemlads.com
So please join me and Phil Morris MBE, founder of testicular cancer UK as we share our cancer journeys with you.
Testicular cancer is the most common cancer affecting young males between 15-45, so I can't stress enough the importance of regular checks - Don't be squeamish, educate, check and get to the doctor if unsure of anything - It could just save your life.
We talked all things testicular cancer
We held webinars during Men's Health Week provided by our partner Care first
Social Media & Men's Health
Click to watch NOW
In line with this year's theme focusing on the internet, this webinar discusses the impact social media can have on men’s mental health and provides tips to help manage these negative impacts.
Men's Suicide Awareness
Click to watch NOW
A webinar on raising awareness about male suicide and how you can support individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts.
Men's MOT for the Mind
Click to watch NOW
A webinar detailing some tips for men to give their mind an MOT to boost their mental wellbeing and seek support where necessary.
Move more
An active lifestyle is the most powerful way for a man to remain healthy. We know that regular exercise is one of the most effective ways to reduce and manage many chronic conditions and improve mental health, and that’s what makes it so vital for a healthy body and a healthy mind.
How much exercise is enough?
It’ recommended that an adult should do at least 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity every week, including at least two strength sessions. That might seem quite a lot, but when you think about it, it’s only 30 minutes five times per week. If that seems too much to start with, then try doing 3 x 10 minute sessions every day and eventually build up. Remember something is ALWAYS better than nothing. Here are the benefits of 30 mins of daily exercise!
Exercise isn't always a chore! Try these tips to increase your activity and move more...
Grab a friend: working out with others helps with commitment and motivation
Take the more active route: when possible use stairs instead of the lift
Walking break: Use the opportunity to walk during your lunch break, home or work
Take a walking meeting: this will reduce time spent sitting at work
Join a team: sports are a great way to stay motivated
Get off early: a couple of stations or stops earlier on the bus/train
Just move: even if it’s just 10 minutes as every little bit counts
Sports & Social Members
Left - Ethan, Farhat, Mubarak, Kush, Rebecca, Suzanne and Mez, coaches and our first Couch to 5K finishers since Sports & Social relaunch in 2022
Suzanne couch to 5K participant said it was great to run with others and to meet colleagues from different departments. She'd felt lethargic previously, and needed some motivation to do something healthy. Mubs, Mez and all the coaches were extremely encouraging. The Couch to 5K was great as it was gradual. Suzanne remembers feeling very proud when she was able to run for 20 minutes continuously. It was was terrible weather when they embarked on their first Park Run but they did it and the sense of achievement felt amazing.
You have access to all of this to keep you healthy in mind body and spirit...
Sports & Social
Sports & Social provides sporting opportunities and social events for Next employees, their friends and families. Click to find out what's available to you
Parkrun
parkrun is a free, community event where you can walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate. parkrun is 5k and takes place every Saturday morning.
Gympass
With Gympass you can visit your favourite gyms, leisure centres and fitness classes and try out new venues.
Digicare + Workplace
5 services available in one simple app, Free Annual Health Check, Nutrition Consultation, Mental Health Support, Second Medical Opinion & Digital GP
Alcohol Intake
It's always wise to check with your doctor who should be able to help you decide whether it is best for you to cut back or to abstain. People who are dependent on alcohol, or have other medical or mental health problems, should stop drinking completely.
Concerned about how much alcohol you drink?
Maybe you feel that you're drinking too much or too often. Perhaps it's a habit you'd like to better control.
Arming yourself with strategies, knowing what triggers you to drink, staying within the low risk drinking guidelines and taking drink-free days are all small steps towards big results.
If you’re trying to cut down on alcohol, aiming to have some alcohol-free days is one of the best ways to go about it. But if you’re used to drinking regularly, this can be easier said than done.
14 Units a Week
If you don’t drink a lot at one time, you might not think there’s any need to change your drinking habits. But drinking “little and often” can still mean the units rapidly add up. For example, a medium-sized glass of wine with dinner every day can mean you’re consuming around 16 units a week. Guidelines recommend that to keep health risks from alcohol low, it’s safest not to drink more than 14 units a week on a regular basis.
Alcohol and wellbeing.mp4Terry busts the Alcohol Myths
Terry Streather, Director of Oakwood Training
Is a Mental Health First Aid Instructor and an Advanced Physical Intervention and Breakaway Instructor with over 20 years real world frontline experience as a manager, trainer and practitioner.
Click play to hear Terry debunk some of the reasons we tell ourselves that we deserve that drink ...
Benefits
There are many long-term health benefits from cutting down on alcohol. These include reducing your risk of:
several types of cancer
You may notice short-term health benefits too if you have alcohol-free days. These may include:
feeling less stressed or anxious
improvement in skin conditions
helping with weight control
Improved sleep
Health Checks
menshealthscreeningthroughtheages.pdfGetting the right checks at the right time in your life is key to staying on top of your health.
Our checks through the ages document steers you in the right direction to make sure you're getting the regular checks ups needed.
Mental Health
Take care of your mental health
Sometimes you just need to talk to someone. You need to be listened to and heard. There is support available to you within and outside of work: video's, helplines, conversation starters, and support groups dedicated to men too.
Click here to link to our men's mental health and wellbeing page.