MEN’S Health Week this year will tackle rising levels of diabetes by encouraging healthy eating and exercise.

It takes place between Monday, June 11 and Sunday, June 17, with East Ayrshire’s lifestyle development and community wellbeing team heavily involved.

They will be promoting the week as their Community Health Improvement Partnership (CHIP) van does its rounds throughout Cumnock and Doon Valley.

Provost Jim Todd made an early appointment to get his health MOT and is urging the male population to follow suit.

Medical research shows that men are more likely to develop diabetes with possible serious and life changing complications, including amputation.

If your waist measures more than 94cm (37in) you are at risk of developing diabetes, heart disease, cancer, stroke and erection problems.

As well as a free health MOT, helpful information on how to lead a healthier lifestyle is available as well as relevant advice, such as regularly checking your waist size.

Contact Faye on 01563 576398 for more information on the CHIP van and the services it provides.

The CHIP Van’s regular timetable is available via East Ayrshire Council’s website, but during Men’s Health Week it will be at the following places —

Monday, June 11

Drongan, Lower Shops: 10am-11am; Rankinston, community centre: 11.15am-noon; Ochiltree, The Hub: 1pm-2pm; Lugar, Main Street: 2.20pm-3pm

Tuesday, June 12

Cumnock, Visions: 10am-11am; New Cumnock, town hall: 11.20am-12.15pm; Muirkirk, Main Street: 1.15pm-2.30pm; Logan, near the shops: 2.45pm-3.30pm

Thursday, June 14

Mauchline, Loudoun Street car-park: 10am-11.15am; Catrine, The Square: 11.30am-12.15pm; Auchinleck, Tesco: 1pm-2pm

Prior to Men’s Health Week, the van will be at Main Street, Dalmellington, on June 5 between 1.45pm and 2.45pm.

It will then go to Patna from 3pm to 3.30pm.