As Ireland prepares for the Springboks this November, Shane Byrne calls on Irish men to show their commitment, stay healthy…and tackle medical problems head on:
The rugby legend who earned 41 caps for Ireland launched the Men of Ireland - Defend your Health initiative sponsored by Lilly yesterday together with Dr. Michael O’Brien, a Dublin family doctor.
This campaign urges men to defend their health by adopting a healthy lifestyle and by taking action early to get help for health problems from their doctor.
Men’s sexual health is an important part of the picture - erectile problems can affect a man’s relationship with his partner and his self esteem and need to be tackled.
Dr Michael O’Brien said that traditionally Irish men tend to be stoic and ignore health problems until they become severe but that getting early attention for a health problem generally means that treatment is easier and more straightforward. In particular, Dr O’Brien said, erectile difficulties (ED) are among the most common health problems which men avoid talking about to anyone.
He explained that ED is common, with one man in every two over the age of 40 experiencing this kind of problem at some stage but that this was one health issue that rarely got mentioned in the pub after the game or was discussed between even close male friends.
Research shows that men who are worried about ED can take almost a year before they go to see their doctor about it but Irish men need to know that help is available and the earlier a condition is treated, the better the outcome.
Shane Byrne, who earned a reputation as one of the most accurate line-out throwers in the world, is encouraging men to focus on their health and tackle any problems head on.
“Irish supporters are among the best sport fans in the world. No one can match their passion and energy, whether following their team to the ends of the earth or turning up in their tens of thousands to cheer the boys on for home games. Our fans will definitely step up to the mark when it comes to motivating the lads against the Springboks.
“Now it’s time the men of Ireland made the same commitment to defending their health as they do to their team. Many Irish men who experience erectile difficulties or ED do not realise how common it is and are too embarrassed to do anything about it. The good news is, there is help out there and that’s why I’m urging men to tackle the problem.
Take action, talk to your GP - get any problems sorted” Shane said.