Redbridge Council is urging men to prioritise their health after a new report revealed they face significantly poorer health outcomes than women. Free local services like the Healthy Redbridge Bus are available to help men take action now and live longer, healthier lives
Redbridge Council is making an urgent call for men across the borough to take their health seriously after a new report revealed they are at significantly greater risk of poorer health outcomes compared to women.
According to the findings published by the Council’s Public Health Team, men in Redbridge live, on average, just over four years less than women — a stark reminder of the pressing need for action. In response, Redbridge Council is encouraging men to take advantage of the quick, free, and accessible health services available locally, including those offered by the Healthy Redbridge Bus.
The Healthy Redbridge Bus offers a range of essential health checks and services, from monitoring cholesterol and blood sugar levels to blood pressure, BMI, and pulse checks. The mobile service also provides advice on preventing cardiovascular disease, delivers winter vaccination clinics for flu and COVID-19, and offers support through smoking cessation programmes.
The Public Health Team’s report highlights concerning trends that show men are consistently experiencing worse health outcomes. Redbridge currently has the third-highest prevalence of diabetes in London, at 8.7%, compared to a London average of 6.5%. It is the highest rate among the North East London boroughs. The statistics are stark: more men die prematurely than women in Redbridge, and the situation is worse than the national average for England.
Cardiovascular disease, which includes heart disease and stroke, remains the leading cause of death among men in the borough, followed by cancer and liver disease. The report also brought attention to the fact that a third of domestic abuse victims are men, a statistic often overlooked. Additionally, hospital admissions for violent crime among men in Redbridge stand at 56.4 per 100,000 annually. While below the London and England averages, this still equates to one man admitted to hospital every four days — a rate four times higher than that of women.
Councillor Mark Santos, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health, stressed the importance of men taking proactive steps to monitor and improve their health.
“This report highlights how vital it is for men to keep closer tabs on their health and to get regular check-ups,” Cllr Santos said. “The good news is that men can take action now and do something to improve their health by taking advantage of the free services available in the borough.”
He encouraged residents to visit the Healthy Redbridge Bus when it tours the borough, describing it as an easy and accessible way to check in on health concerns. “The friendly staff on board will put your mind at rest if you’re worried about anything,” he added.
Cllr Santos also highlighted the benefits of small lifestyle changes that can have a big impact over time. “In some instances, light exercise, like a stroll in one of our award-winning parks, can help by lowering blood pressure and reducing your chance of diabetes. If you have health concerns, please speak to your GP in the first instance.”
Residents are also encouraged to take advantage of the NHS Health Check programme, a free assessment available every five years for adults aged 40 to 74 without certain pre-existing conditions. This check helps identify early signs of heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, and stroke.
For those looking to improve their lifestyle habits, Redbridge offers a wide variety of leisure, cultural, and wellbeing services. Activities such as yoga classes, weight management programmes, sports activities, and wellbeing walks are available to support both physical and mental health. Additionally, Redbridge Quits Smoking (RQS) provides free help for residents aged 12 and above who are seeking to quit smoking, including one-to-one sessions with trained advisors.
The Council is urging all residents to stay informed by reading the Annual Health Report and following Redbridge Council’s social media channels for updates on when the Healthy Redbridge Bus will be touring different parts of the borough.
By raising awareness and making health services easily accessible, Redbridge Council hopes to empower men to take control of their health, close the life expectancy gap, and ultimately create a healthier future for all residents.
