Latest news with #physicalhealth
Associated Press
2 days ago
- Health
- Associated Press
Hong Kong Men Prioritise Tech Over Health, New Study Reveals
AXA Global Healthcare study highlights worrying gaps in how men prioritise their mental and physical health HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 22 July 2025 - Men in Hong Kong are significantly more likely to prioritise repairing a device or resolving a banking issue than seeking help for potential signs of serious illness, a new study reveals. The research, commissioned by AXA Global Healthcare, highlights a concerning pattern in how men respond to health issues - particularly when it comes to early action and preventative care. While almost all respondents (95%) said they would fix a broken laptop within a week, only a third (33%) would act as quickly if they noticed potential red flags in their own health - such as unexpected changes in weight, bowel habits or a suspicious mole. Even symptoms like unusual fatigue (just 27%) and high levels of stress (24%) failed to prompt swift action in many cases, despite being possible early signs of more serious conditions. In contrast, men in Hong Kong reported far greater urgency when dealing with money, work commitments or vehicles. An overwhelming majority said they'd act urgently if they lost their mobile phone (99%) or bank card (98%), while 96% said they'd prioritise responding to a text or call from their boss. Personal health concerns also took a back seat to pet welfare, with 72% saying they'd respond quickly if their pet seemed unwell. By comparison, only 64% said they'd see a health professional at all if something felt wrong. Instead, 45% said they'd consult the internet first, and around 10% would turn to AI or a health app for answers. James Swatton, Senior Distribution Leader – Asia, at AXA Global Healthcare, said: 'It's clear that for many men, computers, money and even work come before their own health. We urgently need to normalise a more proactive approach to wellbeing - not just wait for something to go wrong.' The survey of 272 Hong Kong men highlights a critical opportunity to shift behaviour towards more proactive health engagement. While only a minority trust digital health for diagnosis, 31% said they'd feel more confident acting on a health concern if a digital tool flagged it – suggesting potential for wearable devices, trackers, or smart alerts to help bridge the gap. To help make healthcare simpler and easier to access, AXA Global Healthcare recently launched a new all-in-one healthcare app that allows members to connect with qualified doctors anytime, by phone or video. Beyond consultations, the app supports users in managing their lifestyle by recording and tracking key physical and mental wellbeing metrics. These wellness trackers deliver insights that enable users to better understand their general health patterns and achieve personalised wellbeing goals. Swatton added: 'Preventative health shouldn't feel like an afterthought. By tracking physical and mental metrics, users can gain valuable insights that empower them to manage their lifestyle more proactively and work towards their wellbeing goals. Just as you'd regularly check your car or laptop to keep things running smoothly, building habits around your health can lead to better outcomes and greater peace of mind.' 'For men living or working abroad, this is even more important. Navigating foreign healthcare systems can be confusing and stressful, especially when you're dealing with an unfamiliar language, different medical practices, or insurance rules. Having quick, easy access to trusted healthcare - wherever you are in the world - can make all the difference.' Note to editors About the research Research was carried out online by Obsurvant. All surveys were conducted in May 2025. The samples comprised of 2,083 UK nationals, 512 UAE nationals and 272 Hong Kong nationals. All research conducted adheres to the UK Market Research Society (MRS) code of conduct (2023). Obsurvant is registered with the Information Commissioner's Office and complies with the DPA (2018). Hashtag: #AXA The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Malay Mail
2 days ago
- Health
- Malay Mail
Hong Kong Men Prioritise Tech Over Health, New Study Reveals
AXA Global Healthcare study highlights worrying gaps in how men prioritise their mental and physical health HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 22 July 2025 - Men in Hong Kong are significantly more likely to prioritise repairing a device or resolving a banking issue than seeking help for potential signs of serious illness, a new study reveals. The research , commissioned by AXA Global Healthcare, highlights a concerning pattern in how men respond to health issues - particularly when it comes to early action and preventative almost all respondents (95%) said they would fix a broken laptop within a week, only a third (33%) would act as quickly if they noticed potential red flags in their own health - such as unexpected changes in weight, bowel habits or a suspicious symptoms like unusual fatigue (just 27%) and high levels of stress (24%) failed to prompt swift action in many cases, despite being possible early signs of more serious contrast, men in Hong Kong reported far greater urgency when dealing with money, work commitments or vehicles. An overwhelming majority said they'd act urgently if they lost their mobile phone (99%) or bank card (98%), while 96% said they'd prioritise responding to a text or call from their health concerns also took a back seat to pet welfare, with 72% saying they'd respond quickly if their pet seemed comparison, only 64% said they'd see a health professional at all if something felt wrong. Instead, 45% said they'd consult the internet first, and around 10% would turn to AI or a health app for Swatton, Senior Distribution Leader – Asia, at AXA Global Healthcare, said:"It's clear that for many men, computers, money and even work come before their own health. We urgently need to normalise a more proactive approach to wellbeing - not just wait for something to go wrong."The survey of 272 Hong Kong men highlights a critical opportunity to shift behaviour towards more proactive health engagement. While only a minority trust digital health for diagnosis, 31% said they'd feel more confident acting on a health concern if a digital tool flagged it – suggesting potential for wearable devices, trackers, or smart alerts to help bridge the help make healthcare simpler and easier to access, AXA Global Healthcare recently launched a new all-in-one healthcare app that allows members to connect with qualified doctors anytime, by phone or video. Beyond consultations, the app supports users in managing their lifestyle by recording and tracking key physical and mental wellbeing metrics. These wellness trackers deliver insights that enable users to better understand their general health patterns and achieve personalised wellbeing added:"Preventative health shouldn't feel like an afterthought. By tracking physical and mental metrics, users can gain valuable insights that empower them to manage their lifestyle more proactively and work towards their wellbeing goals. Just as you'd regularly check your car or laptop to keep things running smoothly, building habits around your health can lead to better outcomes and greater peace of mind.""For men living or working abroad, this is even more important. Navigating foreign healthcare systems can be confusing and stressful, especially when you're dealing with an unfamiliar language, different medical practices, or insurance rules. Having quick, easy access to trusted healthcare - wherever you are in the world - can make all the difference."Research was carried out online by Obsurvant. All surveys were conducted in May 2025. The samples comprised of 2,083 UK nationals, 512 UAE nationals and 272 Hong Kong nationals. All research conducted adheres to the UK Market Research Society (MRS) code of conduct (2023). Obsurvant is registered with the Information Commissioner's Office and complies with the DPA (2018).Hashtag: #AXA The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
BBC News
3 days ago
- Health
- BBC News
North Yorkshire Mayor commits £3m to physical and mental health
More than £3m is to be invested in two schemes aimed at improving people's mental and physical health in North region's mayor, David Skaith, has committed £715,000 to improving men's mental health and a further £2.75m to helping rural and marginalised groups into said the issues were "personal" after struggling with his own mental health following the death of his father. Announcing the funding he said: "Suicide is a leading cause of death in men under 50 – it's a national tragedy." "After losing my dad, I struggled with my mental health and it took opening up, socialising and getting back into sport to start feeling better," he added."By taking a lead, we can directly tackle rural isolation and health inequalities - issues that York and North Yorkshire particularly struggle with."He said the programmes would work to tackle the financial barriers to sport and activity and to improve mental health support in "male-dominated and isolated jobs", such as farming, the emergency services and construction. The BBC's Action Line pages can provide support for people affected by a range of issues Paul Galdas, Chair of the Men's Mental Health Taskforce said it was important to "meet men where they are" and "adapting our services to fit the unique needs of men in our area".Lynne James, Manager of York-based mental health charity Mainstay, supported the allocation of funding but said she had "reservations" about how it would be distributed."It's saying 'we're not doing anything new- what we're going to try and do with this money is find ways that isolated communities, rural communities can access existing projects and sports activities'."[But] That's where I'm holding my breath to see how this plays out."Within rural communities, I think it's going to be more difficult."It depends how well organised the infrastructure of the rural communities is and what sports facilities already exist." Listen to highlights from North Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.
South China Morning Post
23-06-2025
- Health
- South China Morning Post
Letters from readers: Perils of video games, healthy habits and school events
Do you have something to share? Send us your letters using this form . Lucas Chui (aged 11), German Swiss International School Video games are harmful to mental and physical health. Studies show that playing video games for more than two hours every day increases the risk of depressive symptoms in gamers. Prolonged gaming may contribute to physical health issues, such as eye strain and poor posture. Some studies suggest gaming can affect academic performance and attention span. When gaming replaces essential activities like exercise or face-to-face communication, it can harm overall life balance. Moderation is key. Lucas Chui attends German Swiss International School. Photo: Handout Cody Tsang (aged 9), Kellett School KLB Prep Some studies estimate that palm oil is used in 50 per cent of all packaged products found in supermarkets. However, its production has a significant impact on the climate, as it is a primary driver of deforestation. Trees are cut to clear land for palm trees, which are not suitable habitats for native animals. These animals lose their homes and often die. The fruit from the palm trees is harvested to extract the oil. Next time you shop at the supermarket, check the label to see if a product contains palm oil and consider whether you really need it. Cody Tsang attends Kellett School KLB Prep. Photo: Handout Zhu Yuen-ki (aged 12), Conservative Baptist Lui Ming Choi Primary School I have participated in many school events, but the most unforgettable one was the Graduation Camp. We went to the Hong Kong Baptist Assembly in Fanling and stayed there for three days and two nights. The most memorable experience was our barbecue on the first night, where we got to grill our own food. This event stands out as the most unforgettable experience of my primary school life, and I will always cherish the days I spent with my classmates. Zhu Yuen-ki attends Conservative Baptist Lui Ming Choi Primary School. Photo: Handout
The Guardian
13-06-2025
- Health
- The Guardian
How does air pollution affect mental health? New study aimed to find out
What happens to your mental and physical health when you move to an area with worse air pollution? That's the subject of a fascinating new UK-based study. Prof Rosie McEachan, the director of NHS Born in Bradford, asked: 'Do already unhealthy communities, who are often poorer members of our society, end up in unhealthier environments because no one else wants to live there; or is it the places themselves that are making people ill?' The researchers used information from the Connected Bradford database. This contains the health records of more than 800,000 people who have lived in Bradford, West Yorkshire, since 1970 that can be studied in an anonymised way. Specifically, the researchers looked at 14,800 people who relocated within the city during early 2021. With increasing evidence that air pollution affects mental health, the researchers focused on prescriptions for drugs for common mental health problems including depression and anxiety. Before moving, 2,100 people were taking these drugs. The researchers then checked for prescriptions a year later. People without a prescription at the start of the study who relocated to an area with more particle air pollution had an 11% greater risk of developing a new mental health problem, compared with the other movers. Dr Mikel Subiza-Pérez, the lead author of the study, said: 'We took account of the socioeconomic characteristics of each area, including income deprivation, employment deprivation, education, health deprivation, disability and crime.' Moving to an area with increased green space, as measured by satellite photographs, led to reductions in prescriptions for mental health drugs, but this depended on the quality of the local green space. Subiza-Pérez said: 'It appears that living close to poor quality green spaces can worsen mental health. That makes sense if there is nothing for you in that space, or if you do not feel welcome or safe there because of current design and equipment. Many green spaces are not sufficiently equipped for people to use them comfortably, we need benches, shades and other stuff for people of all ages.' The study also revealed some of the difficulties faced by people with mental health problems. McEachan explained: 'Our study clearly shows that people experiencing mental health problems tend to move more often and to areas with worse environmental quality, which, in turn, may impact their ability to recover.' The effects of moving to an area with worse air pollution are not confined to mental health. A 10-year study in southern California also showed that lung growth improved for children that moved to areas with less particle pollution. The opposite occurred in those who moved to more polluted places. A study of more than 10 million older people in the US showed that relocating to an area with different air pollution affected how long they lived. McEachan summarised the main message from the Bradford study: 'If we want to make our cities healthier and happier places to live for all communities then we need to target investment in areas with greatest need. Policy makers should be considering initiatives to reduce pollution and improve the quality public realm space in inner-city areas via investment in regeneration, public transport and traffic reduction.'
