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Get Out & Get Active to improve Men’s Health!

The Ulster Cancer Foundation’s Man Alive! Conference, in partnership with BT and supported by Sports Northern Ireland, urged local men to get out and get active to improve their health and reduce their risk of cancer. Pictured (L>R) Roisin Foster, Chief Executive, Ulster Cancer Foundation, John News, Participation Manager, Sport Northern Ireland, Peter Morris, Director of Consumer and Corporate Services, BT, Faron Morrison, Sports Development Officer and Jeremy Knox, Project Manager Leisure Services, Castlereagh Borough Council.

The Ulster Cancer Foundation (UCF) along with BT and Sport Northern Ireland has urged local men to get out and get active to improve their health and reduce their risk of cancer.

This was the focus of UCF’s third annual Man Alive! conference in partnership with BT and supported by Sport Northern Ireland, which took place during Men’s Health Week.

Gerry McElwee, Head of Cancer Prevention, UCF said, “Cancer continues to have a major impact on the health of men in Northern Ireland. Every year about 5,300 men will be newly diagnosed and around 2,000 will die from cancer.

“Studies show that being overweight or obese can increase your risk of a number of cancers, but keeping active and eating healthily can help reduce your risk. It’s vital men make physical activity a part of everyday life by incorporating small changes into their daily routine. Choosing to walk or cycle short distances rather than take the car can make a real difference in reducing our risk of cancer.

“The Man Alive! conference highlighted the implications of an increasingly sedentary population and how all sectors – private, public and voluntary - can work together to address inactivity. Delegates enjoyed a range of interactive sessions and UCF launched a new PACE (Physical Activity and Cancer Engagement) programme, designed to encourage men to undertake physical activity and be aware of the positive impact being active can make to their physical and mental health.”

Peter Morris, BT Director of Consumer and Corporate Services commented, “BT is committed to supporting the Man Alive! campaign as the partnership raises awareness of men’s health and also supports BT’s employee health and wellbeing programme.

“Employee health is integral to the success of BT and by educating our staff and raising awareness of men’s health issues we are not only supporting employees and their families, but sustaining the benefits to the business through reduced absenteeism, reduced stress levels and a more motivated workforce.”

Nick Harkness, Director of Participation and Facilities, Sport Northern Ireland said "Sport Northern Ireland is delighted to be working in partnership with the Ulster Cancer Foundation and BT through the Man Alive! conference. This event raised awareness of the benefits of a physically active lifestyle for improved public health for everyone in our society - men and women, young and old, those with and without a disability."

Recognising the contribution that participation in sport and physical activity makes to improving public health, Sport Northern Ireland launched a new research report at the conference entitled ‘Active People: Healthy Communities’. The report showcases the positive impact that investment in community sport has had on people's lives across Northern Ireland.

This conference is part of UCF’s Man Alive! campaign to inform men about cancer, encourage them to make positive changes to their lifestyle and empower them to take control of their health.