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Health MOTs for men in the workplace
Refuse collectors, recyclers and street sweepers are among the first in Brighton and Hove to benefit from new workplace health MOTs. Brighton and Hove City Council and Brighton and Hove Primary Care Trust (PCT) launched a major new health initiative for men at the council’s Cityclean refuse and recycling service as part of National Men’s Health Care week.
Marcin Krakowski from Cityclean takes part in a health check with nurse Fiona Ross and Cllr Geoffrey Theobald.
“This is a way of getting the message across that a check-up could result in a longer life”
Health checks are being offered to local businesses to help improve the health of male staff – who tend to be more reluctant to go to the doctor than women. The health MOTs include checking weight, blood pressure and lung function and calculating the risk of heart disease. The council and PCT are offering the service to encourage employers to raise awareness of the importance of men’s health in the workplace.
Businesses which actively promote staff health and wellbeing benefit by reduced sickness absence, improved morale, productivity and profitability. The scheme also aims to encourage men in Brighton and Hove to take better care of their health and to make more use of health services.
Councillor Geoffrey Theobald, the council’s cabinet member for environment, said: “Research shows that most men don’t look after their health as well as they could and often avoid going to the doctor.
“We are delighted to be working in partnership with the PCT to take health professionals into the work place, to provide vital information and health checks and improve the health, wellbeing and quality of life for staff. This initiative is a fantastic way of getting the message across that a simple check-up could result in a longer life.”
Weslee Emond from Cityclean proves he’s a picture of health, giving a lift to Rachel Hollingdale, health promotion dietician.
A spokesman for the PCT said: “Because men are often reluctant to visit a doctor, we’ve decided to take this new service to them. It’s convenient, it’s free, it’s quick and it’s completely confidential. We hope that this will help raise awareness with both local employers and local men about health issues.”
For more information on the health MOTs and support for businesses to help promote and protect staff health and wellbeing, visit: www.workwellbrightonhove.nhs.uk or contact louise.sigfrid@brightonhove.gov.uk or call: 01273 294557
