UCF Wants To 'Activate' Men's Health

A leading health charity is urging local men to 'get out and get active' to improve their health and reduce their risk of cancer.

The Ulster Cancer Foundation (UCF), along with BT and Sport Northern Ireland made this the focus of UCF's third annual Man Alive! conference in partnership with BT and supported by Sport Northern Ireland, which took place during Men's Health Week.

Gerry McElwee, Head of Cancer Prevention, UCF said: "Cancer continues to have a major impact on the health of men in Northern Ireland. Every year about 5,300 men will be newly diagnosed and around 2,000 will die from cancer. "

Pictured here with Nick Harkness, Director of Participation and Facilities, Sport Northern Ireland, Mr McElwee, continued: "Studies show that being overweight or obese can increase your risk of a number of cancers, but keeping active and eating healthily can help reduce your risk.

"It's vital men make physical activity a part of everyday life by incorporating small changes into their daily routine."

Recognising the contribution that participation in sport and physical activity makes to improving public health, Sport Northern Ireland also launched a new research report at the conference 'Active People: Healthy Communities'.

The report showcases the positive impact that investment in community sport has had on people's lives across Northern Ireland.

The Man Alive! conference highlighted the implications of an increasingly sedentary population and how all sectors – private, public and voluntary - can work together to address inactivity.

Delegates enjoyed a range of interactive sessions and UCF launched a new PACE (Physical Activity and Cancer Engagement) programme, designed to encourage men to undertake physical activity and be aware of the positive impact being active can make to their physical and mental health."

Peter Morris, BT Director of Consumer and Corporate Services also commented: "BT is committed to supporting the Man Alive! campaign as the partnership raises awareness of men's health and also supports BT's employee health and wellbeing programme.

"Employee health is integral to the success of BT and by educating our staff and raising awareness of men's health issues we are not only supporting employees and their families, but sustaining the benefits to the business through reduced absenteeism, reduced stress levels and a more motivated workforce."

(BMcC/GK)