One in five men die before the age of 65. The causes are a variety of physical and mental health issues, so Men’s Health Week is all about increasing awareness of preventable health problems for men of all ages and backgrounds.

Given that the construction workforce is 87% male, the charity said it is vital that free and easily accessible support is made available to live healthier lifestyles. Things that can be done to help stay fit in mind and body include:

Physical Health

• Get regular check-ups with your doctor. Seeing your GP regularly can help them identify and treat any health issues, such as Prostate cancer, in its early stage.
• Reduce your salt and sugar intake. Having too much salt can increase your cholesterol and cause heart problems later down the line whereas too much sugar can lead to obesity and/or diabetes.
• ​Go for a daily walk. Taking a stroll lets you get in some cardio exercise and fresh air - and it’s great for your mental health.
• Reduce alcohol intake. As well as inhibiting your ability to perform day-to-day functions, consistent and large intakes of alcohol can cause liver problems.
• Quit smoking. Smoking is bad for every organ in your body and can lead to a variety of severe health issues, such as lung and throat cancer - it’s also expensive!
• Enjoy breakfast every day - A nutritious breakfast starts your day off right. It not only sets you up so you have energy and fuel for optimal mental and physical performance, but also to maintain stable blood sugar levels and a healthy weight because you are less likely to overindulge later in the day

Mental Health

• Join a community group. Being part of a group can boost mental wellbeing by reducing feelings of loneliness and detachment. Try visiting one of the Lighthouse Beacons as a first step.
• Talk to someone. Whether it’s family or friends (or even one of the Lighthouse helpline workers), maintaining healthy relationships with peers. You can always call the helpline if you need.​
• Take up a hobby. Engaging in a hobby can be a mental escape, help us hone a skill, or just provide an opportunity to socialise with others. It’s also a great way to help us disconnect from work and break away from the monotony of daily life.
• Volunteer. Doing something selfless for others has been proven to make ourselves feel better. Lighthouse has its own volunteering opportunities you can join.
• Get a good night’s sleep. Sleep is essential to healthy mental wellbeing as it helps us regulate our emotions and ability to function effectively. Register for the free Sleepstation app to find out how.
• Adopt relaxation techniques. These can work to slow down breathing, lower blood pressure, and reduce muscle tension and stress.

Bill Hill, CEO of the Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity, said: “Our construction industry is 87% male, which is why it’s incredibly important for us to provide the right support and encourage them to be healthy for work and for life. As a charity, we provide holistic support across all aspects of emotional, physical and financial wellbeing and we strive to provide education and information so that where possible people can help themselves and be proactive in developing a healthy lifestyle. We’ve had a fantastic response to recent campaigns highlighting skin health, stress, prostate cancer and healthy sleeping and we will continue to provide proactive resources for our workforce.

“We’re here for everyone who works in the construction industry and allied trades, including their families, and all our support services are completely free. Whether you want specific advice from one of our trained advisors through our helpline or text support service, or access to learning resources through our Self Support App, there is a route to support for everyone.”