shocking 61% of Irish men are overweight according to research obtained during Hibernian Health's National Health Screening campaign launched earlier this month.
shocking 61% of Irish men are overweight according to research obtained during Hibernian Health's National Health Screening campaign launched earlier this month. The figure compares to 38% of Irish women who were found to be over weight according to the same research. The screening campaign runs throughout October and is designed to raise awareness of the importance of regular health screening in adults and to educate people about how simple it can be to undertake a comprehensive health screen or health checks.
As part of the campaign, Hibernian Health developed a unique online health screening tool which is available at www.hibernian.ie/health and which can be used by everyone in the country to perform a preliminary screening to help assess their health. This tool analyses data input by users and gives them a health score based on answers they give across a variety of topics including alcohol consumption, exercise and smoking. An alert system has also been installed that advises users who score poorly that they should pay a visit to their GP.
Alarmingly, men were twice as likely to receive an alert from the screening tool advising them to visit their GP immediately. On the subject of exercise however, men and women were on a par but for all of the wrong reasons. A quarter of men and women surveyed admitted to taking no exercise what so ever!
Additional information from the report showed that adults in Ireland are spending an average of €2,500 on alcohol each year with men consuming 60% more alcohol than their female counterparts. A county by county comparison shows that Dubliners are spending the most on alcohol each year at €2,500 whilst Carlow residents spend the least at just €1,200 per year.
Early detection is critical to the diagnosis and treatment of many illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, stroke and diabetes. During National Health Screening Month, Hibernian Health is encouraging all Irish adults to take a proactive approach by undergoing one of the many health screening options available. Screening services are available at pharmacies, GP's and local clinics.
Hibernian Health's own members can obtain a screening in GP practices in conjunction with their provider Employment Health Advisors (EHA). EHA location information is available at www.hibernianhealth.ie. Members can also obtain screening at Charter Medical Group in Smithfield Dublin or at McCabe's pharmacies located in various locations in Dublin, Dundalk, Drogheda, Limerick and Wexford.
A health screen will assess risk of developing cardiac problems by checking body mass index and testing cholesterol levels and blood pressure. It will also assess kidney, liver and lung functions as well as provide advice on cancer awareness, diet and weight management, stress management and osteoporosis prevention.
Speaking at the launch of National Health Screening Month, Deirdre Ashe, marketing director, of Hibernian Health said: "Hibernian Health is focused on looking out for its members, which is why we are raising awareness of the importance of health screens as vital in ongoing management of health. Regular screening can lead to the early detection of serious disease and be critical in terms of recovery."
She added: "Irish adults are encouraged to take a proactive approach to their health by ensuring that they have an annual health screen and we are calling on everyone to take the first step by doing the free online health check during this month."
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Note to editors:
EHA
EHA is a privately owned company with a network of centres providing Hibernian Health members with wider access to services and a greater choice of locations. The benefit includes cover for either a standard health screen or an executive health screen.
The Hibernian Health screen available through this provider will include all of the following tests: Height, weight and body mass indexing, blood pressure measurement and evaluation, cholesterol test, urinalysis, including glucose and protein, health & lifestyle Consultation
The executive health screen will include: Height, weight and body mass indexing, blood pressure measurement and evaluation, cholesterol test, urinalysis, including glucose and protein, resting ECG, keystone vision screen, audiometry, bloods, spirometry, faecal Occult Blood (bowel cancer test - if indicated by family / recent test), digital rectal examination if indicated for prostate cancer, health & Lifestyle Consultation, written report
| EHA | Cost | Hibernian Health contribution |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Health Screen | €85 | €35 |
| Executive Health Screen | €300 | €100 |
Charter Medical Group
Charter Medical Group is located in Smithfield, Dublin 7 which is situated beside the Tallaght to Connolly Luas Line. The Hibernian Health, health screen available through this provider will include all of the following tests:
- Height, weight and body mass indexing using the most up to date technology
- Blood pressure measurement and evaluation
- Blood profile (Cholesterol, Full blood count, Gout, Diabetes, Liver and Kidney function)
- Eye and hearing check
- Electrocardiogram (ECG) used extensively in diagnosis of heart disease
- Health & Lifestyle Consultation
Optional Extras
The Hibernian Health health screen with Charter Medical Group can also include a dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan. A DEXA scan is the standard measure for bone mineral density and is most often used to diagnose osteoporosis, a condition that affects women after menopause but may also be found in men.
Hibernian Health members can claim back for the health screens outlined in the table below:
| Charter Medical | Cost | Hibernian Health contribution |
|---|---|---|
| Female screen (*Optional cervical smear add on €50) | €130 | €35 |
| Female screen, cervical smear & DEXA | €270 | €75 |
| Male screen (*Optional PSA add on €50) | €130 | €35 |
| Executive Health Screen | €490 | €140 |
McCabes Pharmacy Health Checks
Hibernian Health Members will receive a 25% discount on the following health checks in 21 McCabe's pharmacies:
- Cholesterol Levels: (Total cholesterol) = €25
- Cholesterol Full Lipid Screening = €30 (Dundrum, Pavillion, Gorey, Tallaght, Clare Hall)
- Glucose levels: €10
- Haemoglobin Levels; €10
- Bone Density: €50 (Dundrum Store only)
- PSA: €25 (Dundrum Store Only)
- BP: No Charge
- Peak Flow: No Charge.
- BMI: No Charge