This Men’s Health Week, men should be aware of the ways in which women look after their health better. 

That’s according to Dr Mark Rowe, who encouraged men to become more open and proactive about their physical, mental and emotional health.

“Men don’t do healthcare as good as women do,” he told Newstalk Breakfast.  

“We're just not as good or developed in expressing issues to do with our physical health or mental health. 

“As men, we often repress how we feel and unfortunately, we often stick our head in the sand when we are suffering from serous symptoms.”

'Invicibility'

Dr Rowe said men, particularly young men, not being aware of their own mortality.  

“That sense of bulletproof-ness and invincibility among young guys,” he said. “Drinking too much, a big rise in cocaine usage, not using proper sexual barriers during sex.” 

“As men, we often self-sabotage in terms of drinking too much - but none of us can change the past, we can learn from it and grow from it.” 

Growth

Dr Rowe said he has seen a slow change in how men approach their health for the better.  

“I see men now coming in talking about how they’re struggling with different issues, talking about their stress, their burnout, their mood,” he said.  

“It's all about starting small – that kind of momentum can build [and] small changes over time can really make a big difference.” 

These changes can be simple - like adding more colour to your meals to include vegetables or going to sleep earlier. 

Others can involve more long-term effort – such as dealing with alcohol use and talking to somebody about your issues.

“The best day to start looking after your health is today,” Dr Rowe said. “It's all about how we move forward.” 

You can contact the confidential Men’s Aid Helpline at 01 5543811. 

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