The Men’s Health Forum is to attept to prevent the early deaths of 1 million men by urging them to get off their sofas. Initial reports say that men can’t be bothered at the moment and “will do it later”.

Lazy Sofa ManThe Men’s Health Forum is calling for the government, NHS, local authorities, sports organisations & charities to work together, in an attempt to make more middle aged men more active by the 2012 London Olympic games. The challenge is prompet by National Men’s Health Week (14-20th June). It will be the first week to specifically encourage men to get up off their sofas and become more physically active through things like sport.

It coincides with the beginning of the World Cup in South Africa, which is likely to have men across the nation making it to at least the very edge of their sofas, hopefully bouncing up and down on them with joy. The NHS has launched a campaign challenging England fans to see how their fitness compares to the fans of other nations. Action is needed as 22% of men still die before the age of 64 in the UK, compared to 13% of women.

It is thought that higher levels of physical activity could make a big impact. Physically active men have a 20-30% reduced risk of premature death and up to 50% reduced risk of developing major chronic diseases. Physical inactivity is directly linked to a wide range of major health problems, including obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and several cancers.

Men of England. It’s time to get off the sofas!