INTERNATIONAL MEN'S HEALTH WEEK - 'ONE STEP AT A TIME'

Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the constant stream of 'healthy living' messages?

Most of us know that we all need to:

• eat 5-7 portions of fruit/Vegetables a day
• have at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity on five days a week
• Stop smoking
• Limit our alcohol consumption
• Check our bodies 
• Look after our mental health

If we are not already doing this, then we need to find practical and realistic ways to get ourselves into routine.

We know that this is always easy to do and a lot of us can take an all or nothing approach. 

The An Garda Síochána Health and Wellbeing team recently attended a Webinar hosted by Lorcan Brennan, Men's Development Network. Coli Fowler, Irish ambassador for Men's Health Week explained, each year, there is a specific theme, and during 2026, everyone in Ireland will be asked to try to improve the health of men and boys 'One Step at a Time' and to make progress rather than seek perfection.

 'One Step at a Time'

This week we ask you to take just ONE small step this month. What can that be?

• Is there a health issue you've been putting off or worrying about? Book that appointment with your GP or Physiotherapist today.
• Start minding your heart. Book a free check  or book that yearly check in with your GP. Perhaps purchase a blood pressure monitor and know your numbers.
• "I am really unfit but I don't know where to start". How about deciding on a 30 min walk once this week?
• Socialising is important for our wellbeing. Maybe set a goal to pick up the phone and call that old friend or set a date to get out for a walk with a neighbour or colleague this week?
• Minding your mental health. It is important to think of our mental health in terms of ‘mind fitness’ i.e. something that will go up and down, change over time and (most importantly) something that we can exercise a degree of control over - if we choose to. That first step could be checking in to your Employee Support Programme.  The check-in service is free and you can call anytime 24/7, 365 days a year at 1800 817 433. 

For more ideas, the Men's Health Forum in Ireland have an excellent Action Man booklet to get you started. 

There are so many free initiatives, information packs and opportunities to improve your health right on our doorstep. 

• Tara Gleeson, Communications and Partnerships Manager for Parkrun Ireland was in attendance.  Did you know that there are free weekly 5k walk, jog or run events in your local park? As Tara pointed out, not only is this an opportunity to get moving, but also it is a fantastic chance to be social and get involved with your community. If you have children 4 - 14, there is also a junior Park run on Sundays. There is also a handy app available.
• Fergal Fox, Head of Stakeholder Engagement and Communications, HSE Health & Wellbeing reminded us of the free Get Active; Create a quit plan and get support to quit smoking programmes available to us.
• Croi Heart & Stroke Charity  have excellent advice and information regarding heart health
• Employee Support Programme Completely Confidential
• Home Exercise Videos | Sport Ireland
• The HSE in partnership with the Men’s Health Forum in Ireland is encouraging men across Ireland to ‘Know Your Numbers’ as part of Men’s Health Week. 

 This Men's Health Week, remember that improving your health does not require dramatic changes overnight. One small step - whether physical, social, mental - can make a real difference over time. 

Whatever you choose this week, make it realistic, manageable and meaningful to you.  Progress starts with one step at a time.