Take a pit-stop to get health on track

Men can stop in at Unichem Pharmacy on Fitzherbert Ave for a check, which involves a quick blood pressure test. Photo/Stuart Munro

Men have a habit of "soldiering on" when they're unwell or hurt themselves, which is why it's important they head into Unichem Pharmacy this month for free men's health pit-stop checks, says owner Melina Holmes.

"We know that men don't see the doctor as often as females do," Mrs Holmes said.

"Sure, they might hurt their back, but they sort of soldier on and take some pain medication."

The free pit-stop checks involved a blood pressure test and gave men the opportunity to talk with a pharmacist about their health and any medical issues they might have.

There was also a questionnaire men could fill out to find out their overall health score - a lower number was healthier, Mrs Holmes said.

The tests come as part of Men's Health Week 2014, running from Monday until June 15.

Ambassadors include Greg Murphy, Brendan Pongia, Dillon Boucher, and Dominic Harvey.

"It's kind of like what John Kirwan's done for depression," Mrs Holmes said.

"The key is to get men in to get checked before they have problems."

Women were sent reminders regularly for things such as smear tests, but men had no registers to go on, she said.

"Prevention is the key. If it means that you don't have to take medicine three or four years down the track because you have done something simple and changed your lifestyle," Mrs Holmes said.