Men's health courses: everyday habits and the checks worth asking about
Straightforward guidance on food, activity, alcohol, sleep and stress for men in Ireland, and when to talk to your GP.
- Courses coming soon
- Tools in every course
- Certificate included
Many common health problems, such as high blood pressure and raised cholesterol, cause no symptoms at first, so it is worth asking your GP or practice nurse about a check, especially if heart disease or diabetes runs in your family. If you have a medical card or GP visit card and live with type 2 diabetes, asthma, COPD or heart disease, the HSE Chronic Disease Management Programme offers structured reviews with your GP twice a year.
Alcohol and smoking are two of the biggest everyday factors. The HSE low-risk guideline for men is no more than 17 standard drinks a week, spread out, with at least 2 to 3 alcohol-free days and no more than 6 standard drinks on any one occasion. An Irish standard drink is 10g of pure alcohol, such as half a pint of beer or stout, a single 35.5ml measure of spirits or a small 100ml glass of wine. The HSE is clear that no level of drinking is safe for health. The Healthy Ireland Survey 2025 found that 20% of men smoke, compared with 14% of women.
Courses written specifically for men will appear in the list below as they open. In the meantime, the courses linked on this page cover the habits behind most men's health advice: eating well with the Food Pyramid, building strength, being active in line with Every Move Counts, getting 7 to 9 hours of sleep and handling stress and anger.
All men's health courses
New courses for this topic are on the way. Browse the other topics in the meantime, or contact us about the course you need.
Courses that cover men's everyday health
- Strength: Strength Training Basics, an 8-week plan with exercise cards and a workout log.
- Weight: Calorie Deficit Explained and Healthy Midlife Weight Management, with waist tracking, protein and alcohol in the picture.
- Heart-friendly shopping: Reading Food Labels, for salt, saturated fat and sugar per 100g.
- Sleep: The Complete Better Sleep Course, starting with a two-week sleep diary.
- Stress and anger: Managing Anger Constructively and Reframing Unhelpful Thoughts.
Related courses in our fitness and nutrition topics cover more of the basics.
The tools you will use
- Exercise cards, 8-week plan and workout log: build strength at home and see progress week by week.
- Energy needs calculator and weekly progress tracker: a general starting point and a record of weight and waist trends.
- Label cheat cards: compare salt, saturated fat and sugar on two products in seconds.
- Sleep diary and wind-down planner: see what is affecting your nights and plan a routine.
- Anger log and time-out plan: notice early warning signs and step away before things escalate.
Symptoms not to ignore
See your GP if you notice:
- a lump or swelling in a testicle, or a change in its shape or feel
- needing to pee more often, especially at night, difficulty starting, or a weak flow
- blood in your pee or poo, or a lasting change in your bowel habit
- weight loss you cannot explain
Call 112 or 999 for chest pain that spreads to your arms, neck, jaw or back, or for signs of a stroke such as a drooping face, arm weakness or slurred speech. If you are struggling to cope or having thoughts of suicide, call Samaritans free on 116 123 at any hour, text HELLO to 50808, or go to the emergency department.
Men's health courses: your questions
How many standard drinks are in a pint?
A pint of beer, stout or cider at around 4.5% is about 2 standard drinks, because half a pint is one. The HSE low-risk guideline for men is no more than 17 standard drinks a week, with at least 2 to 3 alcohol-free days.
What is the Chronic Disease Management Programme?
A HSE programme run through GPs for people with a medical card or GP visit card who have type 2 diabetes, asthma, COPD or heart disease. It offers structured reviews twice a year, and more than 400,000 people are enrolled.
Should I ask my GP about a prostate check?
If you have urinary symptoms or are worried, yes. Your GP can explain the options, including the pros and cons of testing, so you can decide together. The National Cancer Control Programme publishes a guide on having your prostate checked.
How much activity do men need?
Every Move Counts advises adults to do 2 hours 30 minutes to 5 hours of moderate activity a week, or half that of vigorous activity, plus muscle-strengthening on at least 2 days.
Are men's health courses only for men?
They are written with men in mind, but anyone can take them, including partners who want to support someone.
Official sources
Book the check, then build the habit
Ask your GP or practice nurse about a blood pressure check, then start the strength or sleep course this week.