Hamilton Welcomes Man Van To Stormont

HELPING to raise awareness about men’s health, MLA’s at Stormont visited thexa0Ulster Cancer Foundation’s ManAlive ‘Man Van’ after it visited Stormontxa0recently to mark Men’s Health Week. Strangford DUP MLA Simon Hamilton toured the ‘man van’ and was hugely impressed at its innovative approach. xa0The specially converted van offers men health checks and life saving messages and is operated by specialist nurses. Commenting after visiting the Man Van, Simon Hamilton said, “Unfortunately, cancers like prostrate and testicular are being increasingly prevalent yet many men are unaware of the risks or how to change their behaviour to lessen the likelihood of becoming a cancer sufferer. “If men are less likely to visit their doctor to check up on their health, then what better thing to do than to take health checks to them.xa0The Man Van is a great innovation. [caption id="attachment_26102" align="alignleft" width="400" caption="Simon Hamilton MLA, right, with Gerry McElwee, Head of Cancer Prevention at Ulster Cancer Foundation finding out more about the charity's Man Van which brings health checks and life-saving messages to men in rural areas."][/caption] “Also, the Man Van has particularly concentrated on rural areas and targeted events like agricultural shows, farmers’ markets, local sports clubs and village fairs and dispenses free advice on body composition, weight management, stopping smoking, care in the sun and early detection. There are also free health checks including cholesterol, blood pressure and blood glucose tests. “The good news is that because of advances in medicine many cancers like bowel, skin, prostrate and testicular cancer can be successfully treated if caught early enough.xa0 The Man Van is helping men by making them more aware of the warning signs and symptoms to look out for. “This fantastic facility is giving men the information they need and is undoubtedly saving lives.xa0 I hope that this service is expanded and that more Man Vans are driving across the countryside educating men about their health needs”, added Mr Hamilton.]]>