It’s Movember! No, I didn’t spell November wrong. Movember is a month long dedication to men’s health issues that takes place in November. Movember was started by the foundation of the same name, a global charity committed to men living happier, healthier, longer lives. Since 2003, millions have joined the men’s health movement, raising $650 million and funding over 1,000 programs focusing on 4 different areas. These areas are prostate cancer, testicular cancer, poor mental health and physical inactivity. (1)
This is also the same foundation that started “Moustaches in Movember”. At the beginning of the month, men start with a clean shaven face and continually grow their facial hair for the month. While this act won’t stop prostate cancer or physical inactivity, it does work as a conversation starter and a month long reminder about these different health areas.
Why focus so greatly on men’s health? Men are dying too young and gender is the biggest factor. Although we can’t do anything about that, there are several other men’s issues that we can focus on.
Let’s take a closer look at the big issues:
Prostate and Testicular Cancer: The impact of prostate and testicular cancer on lives is substantial, with prostate cancer being the second most common cancer in men worldwide and the number of cases expected to almost double to 1.7 million cases by 2030. (1). During Men’s Health Week in June, we told you all about prostate cancer and how you can help prevent or treat this disease. Prevention starts with a healthy lifestyle- nutritional and exercise habits that reduce the development of oxidation and inflammation can reduce your risk. Take a look HERE for more from our blogpost.
Mental Health: Mental health affects men more than women: three quarters of suicides are by men. The World Health Organization estimates that 510,000 men die from suicide globally each year. That’s one every minute. (2) Men over 50 are particularly vulnerable. Many men find it difficult to talk about their problems or they feel that they have to be strong. Some signs that can indicate depression are:
- Trouble sleeping
- Lack of energy
- Decreased interest
- Taking more risks than usual
It’s key to find the right support, personally and professionally. Some resources you can share are http://headsupguys.ca/, http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ and http://www.mentalhealth.gov/index.html.
Physical Inactivity: Physical inactivity is the fourth leading risk factor for global mortality, causing 3.2 million deaths globally per year. (1) Being active is essential to prevent and reduce risks of many diseases including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke and certain types of cancer. Any kind of physical activity counts and it is important to try to get 30 minutes in per day. Exercise should raise your heart rate and increase your breathing while still being able to carry on a conversation.
Combine exercise with a healthy diet that includes whole grains, fruits and vegetables, lean meats and fish and low fat dairy products.
It is important to know what the main health issues and how they can affect you. Take control of your health, both men and women alike. For help on how to get started with your healthy lifestyle, contact us.
References:
- “The Movember Foundation”. Accessed 16, November 2015. https://us.movember.com/about/foundation
- “First WHO Report on Suicide Prevention”. Accessed 16, November 2015. http://www.who.int/mediacentre/news/releases/2014/suicide-prevention-report/en/
- “Different from Normal Sadness”. Accessed 16, November, 2015. http://headsupguys.ca/
- Image courtesy of Sira Anamwong at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
