I read so many posts from people, usually correctly, reflecting on how we in H&S often feel undervalued and maybe ignored. Today brought me back down to earth and reminded me why I want to be in the profession.
A few months ago I was passed a pre-written poster advising men about the symptoms of prostate cancer. I chose to put these up in our gents’ toilet facilities. After about 4 months I thought they had been there long enough and served their purpose so took them down before "sign-blindness" took over.
Today I was asked to replace them by a colleague who took note of the posters and went to his doctor who diagnosed early onset prostate cancer. As a result he has been successfully treated and wants others to see the poster and have the same opportunity.
OK - I didn't write the poster, all I did was put it up, but that small link in the communications chain may have saved a life. That’s why I do H&S.
I just felt that I should share that.

Victory is won not in miles but in inches. Win a little now, hold your ground, and later, win a little more.”

Louis L'Amour

Because its Friday and that's a positive story to end the week on Alan :)

Alan

Why not write your story for the SHP: I (and many others) have received £20 for a letter in SHP with a simple message of the kind you outline.

Should you wish to write an article about it, you could do so just describing how you took six (or seven) of the stages of the well-validated theory of planned behaviour, and perhaps how similar programmes of thoughtful action implement alert recognition of underestimated risks to workforces, very cost-effectively.

If you want a short description of the theory of planned behaviour, you're welcome to PM me.

Any attempt at men's health should be applauded, literally applauded.

Mr Armer go get yourself a bacon sandwich covered in HP, you deserve it.

We'll all be digital by the end of the month.

This gives hope to us all. Thank you for sharing a really postive story - few and far between.

Years ago when I was an Agric inspector I sat in a farmhouse kitchen talking to a farmers wife about Lepto (Weils disease) (her husband was too busy to see me) as we did at the time - it was one of the things on the long list list.. I went away thought nothing more. Months land months ater - I received a call from the same lady. Her son had been taken ill, and she had remembered the card I had given her - she thought the lad had flu but just in case had taken him to the doctor with the card, he did indeed have Lepto - and she rang to say thank you. You never forget these. Ive never had another one but that one case like with Alan gives me hope!!

We might all have just one of these in our careers - but Alans example just shows that even one success makes a whole career worthwhile