You only go to the Emirates once

Men's Health Week was launched along with the MHF's new Yolo - You Only Live Once - campaign from Men’s Health Forum at a packed event  at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium. Over a hundred people enjoyed a reception with music, presentations from our special guests and an informative exhibition from our partners.

Kicking off the event was Men’s Health Forum CEO, Peter Baker, who spoke about the success of the new campaign and its impact on the future of male health.

'I think YOLO has exceeded our expectations so far. What we’re trying to do here is to appeal to men in a new way and catch their attention,' said Peter. 'To actually engage men, make them curious, encourage them to look at our new website, menshealthweek.org.uk. We’re very pleased with the way its going.'

Professor Huon Gray, the national director for cardiovascular disease at the Department of Health warned the audience of the early signs of heart problems. 'Work and family pressures can make it easy for fathers to lose track of staying healthy. But I know that dads want to be there for their children and their grandchildren too,' said Professor Gray, right.

'Men’s Health Week’s You Only Live Once message is therefore an important one for dads and, indeed, all men. As well as paying attention to their lifestyle, men over 40 should take up invitations to attend the NHS Health Checks and any man who’s worried about his heart health or who feels unwell should see his GP.'

Founder of Arsenal in the Community, Alan Sefton, spoke of Arsenal’s work for men and boys in their local community. The organisation delivers projects focusing on sport, health, social inclusion, equality and education.

Steven Jamieson, director of Onedeepbreath, spoke about their mission to deliver a physical activity programme for people with sedentary lifestyles or low risk medical conditions.

If you can't see it, it's not happening

Comedian John Ryan, right, was also on hand to put a humorous spin on a serious topic. But his message was clear: men make excuses for their bad health, and that’s an issue that needs to change.

Public health minister Anne Milton also backed the Week. 'It's important we all look after our health but we know that sometimes men aren't as ready to discuss health issues or seek help. This year's focus on heart disease serves as a stark reminder. Figures show men are twice as likely to have a heart attack and more than a fifth more die from heart attacks compared with women.'

'We want to encourage everyone to make simple changes to live healthier lives,' said the minister. 'We are already making progress nationally through Change4Life, and through the Responsibility Deal where major retailers and food manufacturers are already helping people to cut their calorie consumption. The range of activities supported by Men's Health Forum is helping to achieve this.'

Mike Farrar of the NHS Confederation echoed the message. 'Rising levels of obesity and increasingly sedentary lifestyles mean it is important we help men live longer, healthier lives and avoid heart problems. Getting involved in Men’s Health Week is a fantastic way to remind men that you only live once.'