Men’s health is in the spotlight this week to coincide with the launch of national Men’s Health Week.

The week is run by charity Men’s Health Forum in partnership with the NHS Choices website, and this year, men and boys are being offered the chance to check their health using the latest technology, including an online GP surgery, iPhone ‘app’ and electronic ‘e-card’.

The online surgery is open throughout the week and every Monday evening from 6pm-10pm to offer men a free and secure service where they can talk to a GP in confidence.

The iPhone app called ‘Bloke noises’ offers younger men and children an amusing and entertaining way to learn more about their health.

There is also the launch of the electronic e-card which men can send to their friends if they are concerned about their health, but perhaps find it difficult to bring up in conversation.

Dr Martin Stockwell, deputy medical director at Epsom and St Helier NHS Trust is supporting the campaign.

He said: “We know that some men can be reluctant to visit their GP or talk to a pharmacist when they have questions or concerns about their health.

“The week is a fantastic opportunity for men who find it difficult to talk about their health, or have any issues or questions on their mind to find out more and take control of their wellbeing.”

For more information about the week, including links to the online GP surgery, iPhone app and e-card, visit http://www.malehealth.co.uk/mhw2011.

For NHS advice and information about services, visit www.nhs.uk/men.