Men’s Health Week 2026:
Here at Adrian Dunne Pharmacy, we understand that health journeys look different for everyone. We are proud to support the men in our communities this Men’s Health Week, whether that is by offering advice, health services or simply providing a safe space for conversations about health.
Men’s Health Week 2026, runs from June 15th to 21st. This year’s theme ‘One step at a time – progress, not perfection” encourages men and boys to focus on small, realistic changes they can make to have a lasting difference to both their physical and mental wellbeing.
Why Men’s Health Matters:
Men deserve to have a gender-focused lens upon their specific health needs and the many challenges they can be faced with when seeking to improve their health. This is because too often men delay getting help, ignore symptoms or feel a need to “push through” health concerns which all lead to poor outcomes.
This week helps create better awareness about men’s health problems, supports men to engage in healthier lifestyle choices and encourages early intervention of health difficulties. This week also gives everyone, such as those in the healthcare service industries, an opportunity to encourage men and boys to take better care of their health and seek help or treatment at an early stage.
‘Action Man – Top 10 tips for Men’s Health’:
While there are some aspects of men’s health that can be out of our personal control (such as genetics, access to services and the environment we live in) there are also simple and realistic things which men can do to improve their health and live a longer life.
The ‘Action Man – Top 10 tips for Men’s Health’ booklet was developed by the Men’s Health Forum Ireland. This booklet explains:
1. Why an action is needed;
2. What can be done about it; and
3. How to find support if you need it.
These top 10 tips give men the advice they need to make positive changes in their lives. A copy of the online booklet is available to download here.
1. Food for thought:
To reduce your risk of chronic disease, one of the best things to do is follow a healthier eating pattern, which includes as wide a variety of foods as possible. The ‘Food Pyramid’ is a great tool to use to help achieve a more balanced diet.
2. Let’s get physical:
Many men in Ireland are not doing enough physical activity to ensure good health. Aiming for at least 30 mins of moderate exercise a day will help to improve physical health.
3. Keep a clear head:
Discussing any problems you may be suffering with is very important. Talk as soon as possible and with someone you trust, a problem shared is a problem halved.
4. Going up in smoke:
Most people know that smoking leads to lung cancer, however, it can also lead to other serious health problems like heart disease, stroke and much more. Cutting back is the single best thing that you can do to reduce the risk of these illnesses and improve your health.
5. It’s your shout:
When it comes to alcohol, less is always more. Cutting back can have a positive impact on sleep, energy, hearth health and your mood.
6. The heart of the matter:
Some risk factors for heart disease are out of our control, e.g. being male, genetics, ethnicity, age. However some factors, we can do something about. Following a healthy diet, watching your weight, quitting smoking, avoiding stress where you can, getting enough sleep and moving your body more can all reduce the risk of heart diseases and stroke.
7. Have a healthy sex life:
Sexual and reproductive health is an important part of our overall health. Being educated about the prevention of infections, giving and seeking consent as well as being proactive about using contraception all contribute to having pleasurable and safer sexual relationships.
8. Check your bits and bobs:
Knowing what’s normal for your body will help you to identify symptoms that stand out and need to be checked out by a doctor. The sooner you spot something like cancer, the more likely you are to survive it.
9. Get connected:
As humans we need social connections in order to thrive and survive. Being alone can lead to men feeling lonely and isolated. There are many things men can do if they are feeling loneliness or isolation such as: joining a sports team, enrolling in a hobby or class, volunteering or community work.
10. Let’s not meet by accident:
Road traffic accidents and occupational accidents are a leading cause of injury and death for most men in Ireland. Controlling speed, wearing a seatbelt and not drinking and driving are some of the many ways that men can stay safe on the roads. While strictly following safety guidelines at work and being cautious around equipment, machinery, potential hazards and heavy lifting are some of the ways that men can stay safe at work.
Don’t hesitate to call into your local Adrian Dunne Pharmacy for support and advice. We’re always happy to guide you.Find your local Adrian Dunne Pharmacy here: Store locator.