Bull: take health by the horns

Bull Allen, with his wife Geralyn, urges men to have annual health checks. Photo / Supplied

The "she'll be right" attitude is killing Kiwi men.

Men's Health Week starts tomorrow with a simple message - have a personal 'Warrant of Fitness' check every year.

Health Week ambassador Dr Dave Baldwin said: "If guys treated their bodies the same as they treat their machines and cars, their health would be a great lot better.

"We just need to shake off this 'she'll be right' attitude where we don't get things checked out."

Former All Black Mark "Bull" Allan, 43, agrees.

His wake-up call came three years ago, when his 57-year-old father was diagnosed with prostate cancer. The cancer was caught early and treated with radiotherapy.

Allan, a father-of-five, faces up to health risks. "A big motivator is my kids, I want to be around for them," he said.