Rugby Fans To Be Offered Health Mot, UK

Main Category: Men's health
Also Included In: Sports Medicine / Fitness
Article Date: 16 Nov 2007 - 11:00 PDT

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Men attending Leeds Carnegie's match against Leicester Tigers at Headingley Carnegie Stadium on November 24th will be able to combine world-class rugby with a health MOT.

Leeds Met's Faculty of Health will be providing a drop in Men's Health Clinic at the stadium as part of an innovative drive to promote men's health through Leeds Met's pioneering partnership with Leeds Rugby.

A clinic, staffed by professional nurses, will be available at half time and after the game, offering free confidential advice to men and boys. Leeds Met are working in partnership with the Leeds Men's Health Network and local Primary Care Trusts to provide men with Health MOTs, information and services, in line with government guidance. Professor Alan White, the world's first professor of Men's Health, who leads the Leeds Met Centre for Men's Health, will also be on hand.

Professor White said: "The presence of a regular captive audience at the sporting matches presents a unique opportunity to target a significant number of men on a range of topical men's health issues and get them involved in taking appropriate action where necessary.

"The message that is emerging is that men are interested in their health however they may not find it so easy to access health care services but that when the opportunity was presented for health checks they were more than willing to participate."

Professor White has worked with the Bradford Health of Men team over the past five years developing outreach services men in an attempt to get them engaged in the health service and to see changes in their health status. In Leeds, his work with the Leeds Men's Health Network saw the establishment of the Men's Health Week as part of the National programme of activities coordinated by the Men's Health Forum, of which he is chair of the board.

Further similar events are also planned at sporting events at Headingley Carnegie Stadium in the future.

Kick off for the Leeds Carnegie match is at 2.45pm and the match will be televised on Sky Sports.

Leeds Cricket Football & Athletic Co Ltd