November or ‘Movember’ is always a timely reminder of why men’s health matters. It’s a moment in the year when awareness grows, but more importantly, when taking simple, proactive steps can make a real difference.
Before diving into my personal experience, it’s worth recognising how much innovation is reshaping the way we approach health. Tools like the SiSU Health Station show how simple, accessible technology can remove barriers, create awareness, and make preventative health checks a normal part of everyday life.
I’d like to share a personal experience: the moment I used the SiSU Health Station at a staff meeting at work, and how that quick check changed my understanding of my own health.
The moment
We invited SiSU to attend our staff meeting with their self-service health screening kiosk. As the technology was available, I thought, “Why not?” Two minutes, a few questions, a quick reading. I didn’t expect anything unusual.
But something did stand out.
The check revealed that my blood pressure was significantly elevated, something I had no idea about. No symptoms, no warning signs, just a number telling me I needed to pay attention.
That was the turning point.
What followed
Because of that reading, I booked an appointment with my GP. I was diagnosed with hypertension, and we’re now working together to adjust my medication, look at lifestyle factors and monitor my numbers. It’s still a journey, but I’m much closer to a safer range, and, more importantly, I’m informed.
What’s unsettling is thinking about what might have happened if I hadn’t stepped up to that kiosk. High blood pressure is often symptomless, yet it’s a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke and other serious conditions.
Even now, I don’t feel any different. But I do have peace of mind knowing I took early action and reduced my risk.
Why this matters in the context of men’s health month
Men’s health is a challenge. As part of the government’s 10 Year Plan for England, the upcoming Men’s Health Framework highlights the urgent need for NHS organisations to prioritise men’s health and wellbeing. Here are some telling facts:
- Globally, men tend to die younger than women.
- Men are less likely than women to have visited a doctor in the past year.
- In the UK, more than 133,000 men die prematurely every year, many of those deaths avoidable.
This is why early health checks matter.
What my experience taught me (and I hope it helps you)
- Know your numbers. Get to know what normal ranges are for you. Keep up with health checks.
- Act early. Discovering something is one thing; doing something about it is the important next step. I didn’t wait.
- Don’t rely on feeling unwell. I felt totally fine. That’s misleading.
- Encourage your friends, colleagues, family. If you’re reading this: ask your male friends to check. Don’t let “I’m too busy” or “I’ll do it later” be the barrier.
- Use the opportunity. Technology like health kiosks or health apps can make it easy, quick and convenient.
A call to action
So, if you get the chance to use a mobile health check station like I did, or an equivalent health check, take it. Especially if you’re of a certain age, have a family history, or haven’t had a proper health check in a while.
More information
SiSU Health were part of our 2024 Digital Health Accelerator programme and continues to receive support as part of our alumni.
We are also supporting the adoption of SiSU health stations in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire healthcare systems. Helping to tackle hypertension diagnosis.