The annual National Men's Health Week, which runs from June 14 – 20, will encourage men and boys to be more physically active. The Week will focus particularly on men aged over 35yrs old.

The Men's Health Forum, which organises the week, will use it to highlight low levels of physical activity among males from ethnic groups in England. Compared to the general male population, Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi and Chinese men are less likely than the general population to meet physical activity recommendations – a 30-minute moderate or vigorous activity session on at least five days a week. Fewer than 40% Black Caribbean and Black African men meet this recommendation.

Dr Ian Banks, President, Men’s Health Forum said:
“After the age of about 35, there's a sharp decline in the amount of physical activity men undertake and most cite pressure of work, stress, divorce and children as the causes. However, physical activity has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety as well as decreasing the risk of cancer, heart disease and diabetes and can even improve sexual performance.

“Men's Health Week 2010 will highlight the many ways of staying healthy, even for people who claim to be 'too busy to exercise'. The week is not just about encouraging more men to take part in sport – there are many other ways of staying healthy. Simple things such as using stairs instead of the lift, getting off the bus one stop earlier and walking the rest of the way, cleaning the car by hand rather than going to the car wash and so on.”

For more information view:
www.malehealth.co.uk