As Men’s Health Week (9-15 June) continues, Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board (BLMK ICB) is urging men to prioritise their health by seeking early diagnosis for both physical and mental health concerns.
Statistics indicate that men are less likely to engage with healthcare services promptly, often leading to late detection of severe conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and mental health disorders.
ICB is responsible for the delivery of health care for a population of one million people across four diverse local authority areas.
And this Men’s Health Week, under the theme ‘Shoulder to Shoulder: Connecting for Health’, the ICB is encouraging men across Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes to talk openly with their friends about health and wellbeing.
Conversations about getting blood pressure checked, attending screenings, and taking advantage of preventive opportunities can make a real difference in health.
Too often, symptoms are ignored or check-ups are delayed, but early action can save lives.
By checking in with friends and normalising these conversations, men can help each other stay well, even through a simple chat.
Dr Andrew Rochford, chief medical officer at Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes integrated care board, said: “Men often delay seeking medical advice, sometimes until symptoms become severe. We want to use Men’s Health Week to encourage men to take charge of their health.
“Health isn’t just a personal responsibility: it’s something we can support each other with. We are asking men to stand shoulder to shoulder, to change the story on men’s health, this week and every week. Early diagnosis isn’t just beneficial – it’s life-saving.”
Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes support two million jobs locally and are one of the fastest-growing economies in England, contributing £110bn to the UK economy.
They represent a diverse population, with 47% of residents in Luton coming from an ethnic minority background, and while there is affluence in the more rural communities of Central Bedfordshire.
The NHS website provides non-judgmental information on a wide range of symptoms, tests, and treatments for physical, mental, and sexual health conditions.
It’s available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, to empower everyone with information and tools to make informed health decisions.
