Virukeskus
Foodhall
Viru Keskus was filled with hundreds of men today, drawing attention to the most important matter—their health.
Men’s awareness of diseases has improved, and men are approaching urologists more confidently. Today, men are coming in with issues that they would not have sought help for 20 years ago, said urologist Dr. Leonhard Kukk at the discussion on men’s health during the Longer Friendship Day campaign held at the Goldtime store in Viru Keskus, titled “A Healthy Man is a Strong Man!”
“When we talk about men’s health, it’s not just about prostate-related issues,” Dr. Kukk acknowledged, referring also to heart and cardiovascular diseases, liver diseases, and tumors. According to him, timely visits to the doctor can help address issues, and often the only thing needed to overcome the problems identified during health checks is to change one’s existing habits.
The doctor stated that men over 40 should definitely have a health check-up at least once a year. “There has also been an increase in the proportion of young men coming for health check-ups, which has been supported by additional health insurance from employers,” noted Dr. Kukk.
Two-time world champion in Greco-Roman wrestling Heiki Nabi mentioned during the discussion that maintaining a certain lifestyle rhythm is crucial for men’s health. He believes that physical activity should be regular and as self-evident as brushing teeth. “We see a lot of overweight individuals,” the wrestler acknowledged. “At the same time, just an hour of movement a day would help. Everyone can do it in a way suitable for them. It’s important to get into this rhythm.”
Television producer Toomas Luhats, who started with longer walks twice a week due to health concerns related to high blood pressure, later added two workout sessions—basketball and swimming. “Allowing yourself a couple of extra workouts per week and reducing food intake—that works,” he noted.
Ranno Raudsik, the commander of the Scouts Battalion, who also participated in the men’s health discussion, stated that the stronger the body, the stronger the mind, and thus also the resilience in stressful situations. Therefore, regular physical activity is very beneficial, with at least three workout sessions per week. However, according to Raudsik, health indicators of young men entering the military service have worsened each year. Thus, it is important to bring men’s health topics more into focus to raise awareness.
Indrek Halliste, a representative of the Longer Friendship Day campaign, stated that over 17,000 men have participated in health check-ups in previous years as part of this campaign. “We can discuss the statistics we have collected ourselves or received from our medical field partners. There are probably even more.” Halliste emphasized the importance of preventive measures that help avoid expensive treatments later. “Just as we deal with preventive maintenance for cars—changing tires, oil, and various filters—because we want to drive, why aren’t we doing this in our lives? Everyone can take control of their health.”
The highlight of the Men’s Health Month opening event was a collective push-up challenge, attended by a hundred men. The opening words were spoken by Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur, who also participated in the challenge.
The initiative of entrepreneur Rain Vääna, which has been taking place since 2019, aims to increase the average life expectancy of Estonian men so they can be healthy, active partners for their wives, happy fathers to their children, and grandfathers to their grandchildren. Through the “Longer Friendship Day” initiative, over 17,000 men have participated in health check-ups over six years.
The mission of the campaign is to increase the number of men who consider annual health checks to be a matter of course each year. “Longer Friendship Day” encourages men across Estonia to spend a fun day with their friends, during which they will also go for health check-ups together. It is a time to celebrate friendship, think about health, and extend the years spent together in good health.
In connection with Men’s Health Month, men are invited to check their health at Estonia’s largest private medical institutions such as Meliva, Confido, SYNLAB, and Medicum. Doctors have put together blood test packages for men under 35 and those 35 and older, which are offered at special prices in November.
Partners of the Longer Friendship Day opening event included: Goldtime, Viru Keskus, Delfi, Apotheka, Miterassa, Sportland, the Estonian Ministry of Defense, and the Defense Forces.
For more detailed information on the “Longer Friendship Day” campaign activities, please visit the website.
Fotod Karli Saul, G4S ja Kaitsevägi
