Men in Bradford are being warned to stop gambling with their health by ignoring problems and delaying seeking treatment.

Copies of a new health book that looks like a car manual, offering a no-nonsense guide to fault-finding and fixing, are being handed out, with a special "toolbox" for sexual health, in Ladbrokes betting shops.

And health checks will be carried out on men in other traditionally male domains like pubs and barbers' shops.

It's all part of National Men's Health Week, launched in the district tomorrow by the Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Allan Hillary, who will release 1,000 balloons from City Hall steps in Centenary Square.

Funded by a £1 million Lottery grant and run by NHS Primary Care Trusts, the week includes a series of initiatives promoting good health care to men.

Devised by the Men's Health Forum, a charity working to improve men's health, it is being held in the run-up up to Father's Day on Sunday.

"The state of men's health is a national problem," said forum president Dr Ian Banks. "Many die too young or suffer unnecessarily.

"Men who find a lump in a testicle, for example, usually take months to see a doctor, even though they might have testicular cancer. Many of the major health risks faced by men can be prevented and treated if they are diagnosed early.

"This week is the perfect opportunity for men to take better care of their own health and to show what action the Government, NHS and others must take to bring about improvements."

Chris Bradley, of Airedale Primary Care Trust, carries out health checks on men in places like pubs and gives talks in primary schools to encourage boys to seek medical help from an early age.

"Men are leaving it far too long to seek medical help," said Chris.

"It's a combination of being too macho to admit anything is wrong, and the fear of finding out.

"Women are twice as likely to visit their GP than men. This week highlights the fact that men's health services need improving, and that men need to think more about their health, and get problems checked before it's too late.

"Because men are often reluctant to visit doctors' surgeries we're going to places where men go - mainly pubs! - and for the Asian community, barbers shops. We're carrying out checks on things like blood pressure, cholesterol levels and looking at general lifestyle."

Men's Health Forum director Peter Baker, who is in Bradford this week, added: "Most men are interested in their health and will ask for advice if they feel comfortable with the service offered. So health services must provide the kind of services men are more likely to use.

"This means more confidential telephone advice lines, GP surgeries in evenings and weekends, and clinics in the workplace, or pubs, clubs and sports venues."

Bradford TV star Linda Barker is helping to promote this week.

She said: "The older I get the more I realise that health is one of the most valuable things in life. Men, however, are that bit slower on the uptake. Any campaign that makes people think about how they look after their bodies is welcome - but one aimed at the boys is long overdue."

The forum has presented a report on men's health to the House of Commons calling for a change in men's health policy and an improvement in sex education for boys.

MEN'S HEALTH WEEK EVENTS

Tomorrow, 11.30am: Launch of project, with release of 1,000 balloons from City Hall steps. Speeches by Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Allan Hillary, and Men's Health Forum director Peter Baker.

Sunday, June 15: Fun sports day at Oak Bank School, Keighley, from 10.30am to 5.30pm.

Monday, June 16, 8pm: Men's health pub quiz at the Station Pub, Guiseley.

Tuesday, June 17, 12.15-12.45pm: Anti-bullying demonstration at Centenary Square, Bradford, (part of Bradford Festival).

Thursday, June 19, 10am to noon: Men's Health Fair at the Sangat Community Centre, Marlborough Street, Keighley, featuring health checks and information about healthy eating.

Sat, June 21 and Sun, June 22: Men's health information stand in Peel Park as part of Bradford Mela.