NPA: Pharmacies must encourage men to look after health

The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) has called on pharmacists to do more to help men overcome their reluctance to engage with health and wellbeing issues.

A survey of 1,700 men carried out by the organisation has revealed that 90 percent of respondents admit they do not like to trouble their doctors or pharmacists unless they have a serious problem.

It also found that more men have a poor understanding of medical issues than women, while fewer take part in wellbeing schemes and many rely on their partners to collect prescriptions and stock the medicine cabinet.

Pharmacies are therefore putting up posters during the current Ask Your Pharmacist Week to encourage men to step inside and ask about the free NHS support available.

Mike Holden, chief executive of the NPA, said pharmacies must strive "to spread the message to more men about the benefits of using medicines properly and make them aware of the free, professional advice and support available which also involves healthy lifestyle advice".

Ask Your Pharmacist Week runs until November 12th 2012 and also incorporates public events across the country, including talks and health checks.