Free men's health checks at football clubs

HEALTH checks for men are being staged at two football clubs.

The free health checks will look at height and weight, body mass index, drinking habits and smoking status.

They are being staged by Stoke-on-Trent PCT as part of Men's Health Week which runs from June 15 to June 21.

The first event will be held at Port Vale on Tuesday, June 16 between 5pm and 9pm. The second round of tests will be held at the Britannia Stadium on Thursday, June 18 between 5pm and 9pm.

Every man who has a health check, visits the different health information stands and takes part in the football-related activities and competitions, will be given a free bag of sports related goodies.

At each event there will be football giveaways, a chance to meet the mascots and free samples of fresh fruit and vegetable snacks. There will also be the chance to find out more about quitting smoking as well as being able to have a confidential chat about sexually transmitted diseases.

Director of public health in Stoke-on-Trent, Dr Giri Rajaratnam, said: "Too many men in Stoke-on-Trent take too many risks with their health by drinking and smoking too much or being overweight. One of the biggest risks here is men's reluctance to seek help from services or to take part in health improvement programmes."

Stoke City manager Tony Pulis added: "We as a football club are delighted to be working alongside Port Vale and the Stoke-on-Trent NHS to promote Men's Health Week."