Life’s challenges and barriers for men and how to cope with them were under the microscope at this year’s annual Cancer Focus Northern Ireland Men’s Health Conference in Antrim.
Keynote speaker Shane Martin, left, with Gerry McElwee, Cancer Focus NI
The theme for this year’s conference, attended by over 80 delegates, was ‘Resilience’ and reviewed practical strategies that build resilience and allow men to bounce back.
The event in September was sponsored by MediCare Pharmacy Group, Cancer Focus NI’s corporate charity partner, and aimed to update healthcare professional and others with an interest in men’s health and cancer issues.
The keynote speaker was psychologist Shane Martin who uses his skills to help people empower themselves and enhance the quality of their lives both privately and professionally.
“It is vital to promote a psychology of health, happiness and resilience among people who have been through a difficult time, either physically or mentally,” he said.
”My message to men is that we have an innate capacity to cope better through the challenges of life. In recent years scientists have discovered more about what we can do to thrive despite adversity and how we can sustain great levels of inner-happiness in our lives.”
Dr Eileen Morgan, from the NI Cancer Registry, spoke on cancer trends in men, and the roles of lifestyle, ageing and wider issues. She stressed that improving lifestyles was key to lowering the risk of getting cancer.
Fiona McGlue, Cancer Focus NI’s health promotion officer, discussed the charity’s Keeping Well Service for local men, looking at settings for health promotion work and building relationships with pharmacies to help improve health in local communities. As many as 120,000 people visit pharmacies in Northern Ireland each day.
Other speakers include Gavin Boyd, from The Rainbow Project, a personal story on living with addiction and a nurse who spoke about health care at Magilligan Prison.
Colin Deehan, Professional Services Manager, MediCare Pharmaceutical Group, said: “We are delighted to sponsor this year’s Men’s Health Conference. We have an extremely productive and successful partnership with Cancer Focus NI and together we have been making strong strides towards improving health care in local communities.
“Cancer Focus NI Keeping Well vans regularly bring health checks directly to customers and staff at our pharmacies across Northern Ireland, and holds health awareness days to highlight the signs and symptoms of cancer and how to adopt healthier lifestyles.
“This conference, sharing ideas, innovations and best practice, is an important part of this outreach work and highlights our commitment to health care in the community.”
The charity’s Keeping Well van was also available at the conference to showcase Cancer Focus NI’s services.
