Early data from several countries, regarding the gendered implications of COVID-19, suggest that men are more likely to die as an effect of infection.  This has been explained by biological factors, and also by behavioural and life-style issues characteristic of men.  What has not been widely discussed, however, is the relationships between men's responses to the crisis, their care activities, and certain models of masculinity that persist in many societies.  This journal article explores this issue: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/13505068221076322

Alcohol Action Ireland and University College Cork School of Public Health have published a research paper that provides accurate analysis of the levels of alcohol related death and illnesses in Ireland.  This can be accessed at: https://alcoholireland.ie/wp-content/uploads/filebase/reports/21883_AAI_ICC_GBD_Policy_Paper_v4_online.pdf

Anxiety disorders are the most prevalent mental health disorder experienced by men.  If left untreated, anxiety is predictive of psychiatric disorders including depression and associated suicide risk.  Despite the prevalence and impact of men’s anxiety, it remains largely overlooked in the field of men’s mental health.  Find out more about this issue at: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s44202-022-00035-5

The latest results from the 2020/21 Health Survey Northern Ireland are now available.  This annual survey by the Department of Health reports on a range of health topics.  The interviews took place between June 2020 and March 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic, and gives an important insight into pandemic health related behaviours.  See the findings at: https://www.health-ni.gov.uk/sites/default/files/publications/health/hsni-first-results-20-21.pdf

Sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) are often seen as the domain of women’s and girls’ health and well-being.  Men and boys are considered important in SRHR, but mainly as partners, gatekeepers and policymakers.  This paper argues that men and boys have their own sexual and reproductive health issues and concerns: https://share-net.nl/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/SN_Mens_SRHR_Position_Paper.pdf

Farming is not like other jobs.  It’s physically hard, can be unpredictable, and comes with its own set of factors that can lead to stress.  Farmers often put other things first - like looking after stock, land and equipment.  But they can overlook the stress that comes with managing all of these things.  FarmInMind is an initiative to help Northern Irish farmers to look after themselves better.  This new website is designed to help farmers to identify the sources and levels of stress in their daily life, and to direct them towards the help and support that they need.  Check it out at: https://www.farminmind.co.uk

To mark World Cancer Day 2022, the Irish Cancer Prevention Network ran a webinar focusing upon ‘Steps to Reduce our Cancer Risk’.  Through a series of presentations with a panel of experts, this highlighted how we can all take practical action to reduce cancer risk.  Topics included: eating for health; radon; skin protection; breastfeeding; and knowing the signs to find cancer early.  You can see a recording of this event at: https://youtu.be/1JeP15TEeEg

You are invited to attend the online launch of 'Stronger Together: The HSE Mental Health Promotion Plan 2022-2027'.  This will take place at Noon on the 6th of April 2022.  Stronger Together is a five-year plan that includes a range of actions focused on promoting positive mental health across the population that are within the remit of the HSE and HSE-funded agencies.  The Plan will include a number of inputs on mental health promotion, an overview of the Plan, and panel discussion with experts from across the HSE and their external partners.  Register for a place at: https://ims.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_fqqBcTscRXefKe0_ZbiOxA