Throughout their lives men health compares badly to that of women and the statistics concerning the health of men in the UK make uncomfortable reading:

45% of men are overweight

1/3 of men are clinically obese

7/8 of men have at least one risk factor for heart disease and strokes

Twice as many men than woman drink above the maximum recommended alcohol level

25% of men have high blood pressure

Indian, Bangladeshi, Black Caribbean and Irish men are at a greater risk of heart disease and strokes

Men in the north are generally less healthy than men in the south of the country. In 2003 men in Blackpool had the shortest life expectancy.

It is claimed that men health has actually deteriorated over the last 30 years.

Why ?

Men are less likely to visit the doctor when they are ill and less likely to report the symptoms of disease or illness. This inevitably means that their condition has worsened when they eventually decide to seek a diagnosis.

Men show a greater propensity to kill themselves either directly by suicide or indirectly by drinking, smoking and increased risk taking.

Given the apparent substantial availability of women health screening and being in a climate where equality is sought for all, the whole area of men health needs to be carefully evaluated. In 1992 the Chief Medical Officer acknowledged that the health of men in the UK was a cause for concern. However the UK is not alone in this. In Oct 2005 the Vienna Declaration on the Health of Men and Boys in Europe issued a direct call to the World Health Organization, the European Commission, national governments and providers of healthcare to take account of the needs of men health.

Men, must become more responsible for their own good health and well being. If a man was a car would his body pass the MOT? is a favourite analogy.

Part of healthy living is to break free from bad habits. Here are 11 tips to good health:

Do not smoke

Cut calories, limit fat, sugar and salt.

Add fibre and eat more complex carbohydrates.

Practise moderation in all things.

Exercise regularly- it doesn't matter what exercise you do or where you do it - its activity on a regular basis that is important.

Maintain a healthy weight

Exercise the mind. Learn something new ; take up a new hobby, read and then learn how to relax.

Develop a positive attitude to life. Learn to laugh at petty annoyances. Keep things in proportion.

Monitor your health. See the doctor about any worrying symptoms and do a self-examination monthly.

Brush the teeth, tongue and roof of the mouth. Visit the dentist regularly.

Get enough sleep. Experts believe that we need between 7 and 10 hours depending on our genetic predisposition.

Men can be reluctant users of the health service who make poor use of preventative services and tend to avoid the doctors unless they are in significant pain or an illness becomes too serious to ignore.