Half of men admit they have ignored potentially worrying health issues

Just under half (46 per cent) have turned a blind eye to a physical health issue, while 39 per cent have refused to acknowledge their mental health. And these men claim they prefer to put their health on the shelf due to worries about a diagnosis (30 per cent), lack of time to visit a professional (24 per cent) and embarrassment (20 per cent).

While 58 per cent simply hope their mental or physical problem will improve by itself. However, of those who have turned a blind eye to problems in the past, 37 per cent were then left to deal with something more serious in the long run.

The study of 5,000 men, carried out by global hygiene and health company Essity, which has a large manufacturing site in Skelmersdale, found over one quarter (26 per cent) of Liverpool’s men would actively avoid visiting the doctor during the festive season in particular – ignoring their own health so as not to put a dampener on things for others (22 per cent) and to prioritise preparation for Christmas (18 per cent).

Although 29 per cent of Liverpool respondents in the wider survey of 5,000 men said their health typically takes a turn for the worse during December – as they indulge in more food (69 per cent) and more alcohol (48 per cent). These men admit they might deprioritise their health in the lead up to Christmas because the colder weather makes it harder to get out and exercise (25 per cent), they are too busy (22 per cent) and there being too much food and drink to indulge in (24 per cent).

The report was commissioned by Essity, which is launching a new ‘Health on the Shelf’ programme within its five UK production sites based in Prudhoe, Manchester, Stubbins, Oakenholt and Skelmersdale – installing health stations to check things like blood pressure, heart rate, stress levels and risk of cardiovascular disease.

Gareth Lucy, spokesperson for the company which makes consumer tissue, personal care, public washroom and medical products, said: “The festive period is right around the corner, and we all get incredibly busy trying to squeeze in work, family time and social events. Our research shows that often it’s our health that falls down the priority list so as a company we are taking action to ensure our employees get a full health check before the festivities begin.

“And while November is Men’s Health month, we’re offering free health checks to all of our employees as a reminder to take care of themselves and to send a clear message about how important it is to address any health concerns immediately as they arise, and prioritise mental and physical health.”

Dad, Lee Whittaker, 53, knows only too well how ignoring a health symptom can lead to a potentially devastating turn of events. The professional carp angler, from Hilton, Derbyshire, ignored dizziness because of “pride” and the busy festive period ended up with a trip to hospital on Christmas Day where he was diagnosed with a serious autoimmune condition. After suffering hearing loss and dizzy spells in the winter of 2021 he decided to "soldier on" because he didn't want to let down his family.

While having dinner with his wife and a family friend on Christmas Day, Lee experienced slurred speech, poor balance and facial paralysis. He was rushed to A&E with a suspected brain tumour where he remained in hospital until New Year’s Day and was eventually diagnosed with aggressive multiple sclerosis and had a stem cell transplant.

He is encouraging other men to speak up about their health issues over Christmas, insisting “it’s better to be safe than sorry”.

“You try to do everything because it’s Christmas and you think you’re harder than you are," said the dad to 14-year-old Alfie.

“You just crack on with life. It’s pride and you just soldier on. It’s like the old-fashioned days. That’s how you’re brought up. I should have just taken a step back and said, ‘there’s something wrong with me’."

Lee’s entrepreneur wife Jacqueline, 51, insisted he see a GP in September 2021 after noticing he was even more off balance than usual.

Known as ‘Clumsy Lee’, the dad had dealt with symptoms for some time, recalling a holiday in Benidorm seven years ago when he lost consciousness after a few drinks, leading his friends to think he had been spiked. He was initially thought to have labyrinthitis - an inner ear infection - and was given exercises to do, but his symptoms continued to get worse.

He remembers friends showing concern for him in November 2021 when he was "unsteady" on his feet at a ceremony where Jacqueline was being awarded. Although he admits to feeling embarrassed at the time, he brushed off the worries, but the symptoms re-appeared over the years, especially in the lead up to Christmas. The ordeal has taken a huge toll on him and his family - and he wonders what would have happened if he had been checked sooner.

Lee also lost a close friend - ex Derby County defender Justin Phillips - to a heart attack in 2018. He reckons the “untouchable” former footballer - 46 at the time of his death - could have survived had he been checked sooner.

“He (Justin) had shortness of breath”, Lee said. “He died of a heart attack at Derby County’s golf day. He was the big strong man of all our friends. He was untouchable.”

While his wife and her friends openly discuss their health, Justin said: “fellas don’t. We say we’re alright even if we aren’t.”