Dear resident

Do you avoid going to the doctor?

All of us are guilty of this at one time or another. We tell ourselves that the niggling problem will go away. And when it gets a bit worse, we convince ourselves that it’s still nothing.

And, for many men, it can be even harder to admit that something is wrong. Life is busy, work is full on, your family and friends need you…

Read that last line again. Your family and friends need you.

Going to the doctor is not a sign of weakness. It’s the sign of a strong, responsible man who looks after himself because he knows people depend on him. A man who knows that sometimes a little niggling problem could be a sign of something more serious. Something that could be fixed or prevented from getting worse if he just…mans up…and goes to the doctor.

And doctors aren’t just there for when you are unwell. Regular checks and having a good relationship with your doctor can even prevent some health issues from occurring. It might even prevent you from dying.

International Men’s Health Week 2026 takes place from 15-21 June, so there’s no better time to focus on your health and lifestyle. Worried about something related to your health? Or has it just been a while since you’ve had a check-up?

Think about your family and friends. Everyone who loves you. And call your doctor today.

   Warm regards

Mayor Bilal El-Hayek