NORTHERN Man's worst nightmare is being bald, visiting the doctor and missing out on a Club 18-30 holiday.

That is the conclusion of a survey of 1,200 local people carried out by the Brandlesholme-based O'Neill Consultancy which is to hold a Men's Day seminar to tackle such concerns.

The revealing survey questioned men on their likes, dislikes, fears and regrets and also found that there are large differences in the way men and women handle their emotional problems.

Consultancy partner Mr Richard O'Neill said: "I am encouraged by the survey as it shows an improvement in the number of men who are willing to seek help and a willingness to talk about things that concern them, but unfortunately resources and information for men are still lacking."

Northern Man's bluff, cocksure reputation takes a dive in the survey with improved confidence and assertiveness being the greatest personal desire.

Better communication with partners ranks second followed by more money, more adventure, weight loss and improved fitness.

Men's number-one regret is never having been on a Club 18-30 holiday.

Not staying with a previous partner came a close second and the "Samson Syndrome" means that going bald takes priority over losing jobs as their greatest personal fear.

They are also rueful about not travelling more, not taking further education and not having carried on with a particular sport. More worryingly, the greatest personal dislike is going to the doctors despite only 28 per cent of men knowing where the prostate is, and what it does, and only 31 per cent knowing how to check for testicular cancer.

Mr O'Neill said: "Whilst the survey does have a lighter side, the underlying message is that men are seriously neglecting their health.

"There is an encouraging rise on last year of men who would seek help, but there is a vast amount of work to be done in getting the information and help to them."

Current statistics show that more than 50 per cent of men are overweight and 10,000 a year are dying from prostate cancer.

Men are almost twice as likely to commit suicide than women and one in twelve will die from heart disease before retirement age.

Mr O'Neill, who is regarded as one of the leading men's therapists in the country, said: "We would like to see health authorities and health professionals make a concerted effort to provide help and support to men so that they can take responsibility for their own health."

He is doing his bit by holding a second Men's Day seminar at Bury Art Gallery on August 30, which will be free to attend.

There will be help, advice, information, yoga, relaxation and confidence-boosting sessions throughout the day.

For further details contact Mr O'Neill on 763 7416.

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