Keep your body in perfect running order with Haynes

Men think of their bodies in a mechanical way - like a car. But while many men look after their cars, most ignore their own bodies! Unlike a vehicle, the law doesn't require an annual MOT check on the human body. Yet, like any piece of sophisticated technology, a man's body will respond best if the owner understands what goes on under the bonnet and does regular basic maintenance.

Haynes, the world-leading publisher of automotive repair manuals, is renowned for teaching millions of car owners how to carry out routine maintenance and repairs. The manuals provide authoritative and accurate step-by-step information for both basic and more complex tasks. These vehicle manuals are complemented by manuals on man, woman and on baby - written in the same easily digested style with informative illustrations. For National Men's Health Week give yourself an MOT check.

Why take an unnecessary trip to the breaker's yard? Let Haynes Manuals show you how to care for yourself.

Routine maintenance (your whole body)

Eat five portions of vegetables and fruit each day, watch your weight and exercise regularly to beat cancer. Eat plenty of oily fish or take a supplement such as cod liver oil to obtain nutrients like vitamin D and omega oils. Lighter men live longer on average - check your body mass index (BMI) by going to www.menshealthforum.org.uk. Don't smoke. Learn to cope with stress - through sport or yoga or both.

Engine (heart and lungs)

Have your blood pressure checked regularly and seek treatment for abnormal breathlessness. Regular exercise and a good diet will help keep your heart and lungs healthy. Again, don't smoke, and don't drink too much alcohol.

Cooling systems (circulation)

Sweating is natural, but wash regularly to avoid smelling of stale sweat. Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration. Seek treatment for erectile dysfunction and visit www.impotence.org.uk

Engine management system (brain)

Seek help if you are drinking too much alcohol, are depressed or getting migraine headaches. Don't hide grief - talk about it and seek support. To reduce the risk of a stroke (akin to a major oil leak), choose a good diet, control your weight, get regular exercise and (need we say it again) don't smoke!

Fuel and exhaust (digestive and urogenital systems)

Carry heavy objects correctly to avoid a hernia and drink in moderation to avoid cirrhosis of the liver. Watch your weight to reduce the risk of diabetes and regularly examine your testicles for signs of cancer. High fibre diets can prevent constipation and piles. If you're not in a monogamous relationship, always use a condom to avoid those sexually transmitted diseases with difficult to spell names.

Chassis and bodywork (bones and skin)

Wash your feet each morning and evening and walk around the house barefoot to prevent athlete's foot, corns and calluses. At work or when playing sports, wear the correct protective clothing to reduce the risk of broken bones. Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun to help prevent sun burn and possible skin cancer. Use a strong sun block (SPF 15 or over).

Man Manual

For further information, please refer to the Haynes Owners Workshop Manual MAN, (120,000BC to Present Day. All models, shapes, sizes and colours).

It's a practical step-by-step guide to the treatment and prevention of men's health problems, written by experienced healthcare professional, Dr Ian Banks.
To view product details - click here

Also available in this series: the Haynes Woman Manual, Sex Manual, Baby Manual, Cancer Manual and, launching this month, the HGV Man Manual (guide to obesity). To view this product's details - click here

Notes to Editors:

For more advice on model-specific procedures, please refer to the appropriate Haynes Service and Repair Manual. Haynes Manuals retail at £17.99 (hardback) and are available from all good car accessory retailers and bookshops including: Halfords, Motor World and WH Smith. A comprehensive stockist locator can be found at www.haynes.co.uk.


The information above is supplied courtesy of Haynes Publishing, please credit accordingly if you intend to use it. For further information, please contact Rebecca Nicholls on Tel: 01452 260063 or email: pr@haynes.co.uk