In recognition of Men’s Health Week we felt it was important to highlight a male perspective on this year’s theme, ‘Strategy for Men’s Health.’ We were delighted that Brian Chittick, NHS Chief Executive, took the time to share his thoughts and reflections. Here’s what he had to say:
I’ve been asked to write a blog for Men’s Health Week, and the theme is about having a strategy for men’s health. Now, I don’t know about you, but the word “strategy” makes me think of work and PowerPoint slides— not exactly the stuff that gets most blokes jumping out of bed in the morning.
So instead, I want to talk about something a bit simpler: small steps. Because when it comes to our health, it’s not always about having a grand plan. Sometimes, it’s just about doing the basics — and sticking at them.
Here are a few small things that I try to do (and sometimes don’t do… but we’ll come back to that):
- Don’t smoke – thankfully, this one’s not a battle for me, but if it is for you, every day without a cigarette is a win.
- Drink sensibly – easier said than done when the Six Nations are on, I admit- but everything in moderation is a good thought.
- Be active – I play and coach rugby here in Shetland, and while I’ll never be mistaken for a professional athlete, it keeps me moving. It also gives me something just as important: connection. The team, the community, the laughs — it’s good for the body and even better for the mind.
- Watch the weight – I know I’m not as healthy as I could be. But I try to keep an eye on it, and when I get it right, it feels good. And when I slip – I try again.
- Turn up to your NHS Health Checks – it’s easy to ignore them, but they’re one of the few times you get to check the warning lights before anything goes wrong.
I’m on a journey — like a lot of men. There’s no perfect destination, no gold medal at the end, just the hope that if I keep taking small steps, I’ll stay well enough to enjoy life, be there for the people who matter to me, and stay connected to my community.
Men sometimes don’t talk much about health. We tend to crack on, keep quiet, and hope nothing breaks. But looking after ourselves isn’t soft. It’s not selfish; it’s sensible.
So maybe this Men’s Health Week, the strategy doesn’t have to be complicated. Maybe it’s just about picking one thing — a small thing — and doing it a little more often, a little more consistently. Because the small steps-they eventually add up.
Brian Chittick
Chief Executive and Accountable Officer NHS Shetland
