Keeping healthy as a partner

Partners Getting through those early weeks and months can be tough with a new baby. Even as your child gets older you'll probably find you have less time to prioritise your own needs - a healthy diet, exercise and sleep can all get disrupted. If you can, talk to your partner about ways you can both have some time and space as well as enjoy quality time together. Keeping yourself fit and well is important for your family - you can't pour from an empty cup.

Keep fit and healthy by eating well and exercising, take your baby out for a walk or head to the park, you'll both enjoy it! Catch up on sleep when you can. Accept help from your family and friends - taking a break occasionally or getting support with chores will give you more time and energy to dedicate to bonding with your baby.

Having a baby means facing new challenges and you might feel like you could be doing a better job. Be kind to yourself. Keep talking to your partner and share that emotional load, you're both adjusting to being parents and supporting each other through that will help your relationship flex and stay strong. You can find out more local support for healthy lifestyle below.

Healthy lifestyle

Small changes can make a big difference and One You Kent advisors can support you to make the changes that will work for you. So whether you want to quit smoking, lose weight or just generally feel better about life, One You Kent lifestyle advisors can help. This is a free service from the NHS offered over six sessions. You and your partner can both be referred for support but will be seen separately. Please call 0300 123 1220 or email oneyou.kent@nhs.net for more information.

Smoking and alcohol

If you smoke, now is a great time to try to quit. Smoke irritates your baby's airways and may cause breathing problems as well as chest and ear infections. Quitting will also save you money and help you feel healthier and reduce stress levels. For free stop smoking support, including nicotine replacement treatment and weekly sessions where you can talk about your quit journey with someone who can help you get through any tough times contact One You Kent. You can visit One You for advice on reducing your drinking and to download the new app 'Lower My Drinking'. Kent County Council has more information about local drug and alcohol services.

Keeping active

Sexual health

Testicular health

Most men's testicles are about the same size, but it's common for one to be slightly bigger than the other. It's also common for one testicle to hang lower than the other.

The testicles should feel smooth, without any lumps or bumps, and firm but not hard. You may feel a soft tube at the back of each testicle, which is called the epididymis.

If you notice any changes or anything unusual about your testicles, you should see a GP. Please visit NHS website on for more information testicles' health.

Breast health

There's no right or wrong way to check your breasts. But it's important to know how your breasts usually look and feel. That way, you can spot any changes quickly and report them to a GP. For more information visit how should I check my breasts?

Breast cancer is often thought of as something that only affects women, but men can get it in rare cases. It grows in the small amount of breast tissue men have behind their nipples. It usually happens in men over 60, but can very occasionally affects younger men.