This weekend hundreds and thousands of people the length and breadth of the country have been admiring some of the nation’s finest male athletes do what they do best – put their bodies and souls on the line for the clubs and counties. What could be healthier?
But what men – including sportsmen – often fail to do well is look after their general health. The reasons are manifold and complex (the Irish mammy being one of them; for too long these earth-bound angels have tried to insulate their precious boys from the ills of the modern world. As a result we of the less fair sex have come to depend on the women in our lives to look after us.) So damning is our inability to book regular GP appointments, cook anything other than pasta, get that lump checked out, or wear sunscreen even when rocks are splitting that the powers that be have instigated an International Men’s Health week. And this year the GAA is delighted to support the campaign through a series of articles that will focus on a number of burning men’s health topics including diet and nutrition, the joys of exercise, gambling and sport, and how taking personal responsibility for your health can make you a happier person, amongst others. After all, we want all our men fit, healthy, and happy – be they lithe and lean minor wingbacks, aging full-forwards, ageless chairpersons, or our men in black.
From tomorrow (Monday) through to Friday, we will be publishing a daily article compiled by a specifically chosen author, and supported by a high profile GAA personality. We also want to hear from you throughout the week, so as part of Men’s Health Week, we will be running a social media competition where you use the hashtag #GAAhealth on Facebook and Twitter and tell us how you look after your own health. The best #GAAhealth tip will win a county jersey of your choice.
All articles will be archived on the GAA’s Community & Health section – www.gaa.ie/community – where you can find out much more about your health and wellbeing and what the Association does to support it.
If you would like to find out more about Men’s Health Week or the Men’s Health Forum Ireland, download the Men’s Health Week promotional resources or the Man Manual produced by the Men’s Health Forum, visit www.mhfi.org.
To be in with a chance to win a County jersey of your choice, share your health tips with us on social media using #GAAhealth.
By tyronepro Mon 15th Jun
