4 minute read
Celebrating Movember!
It’s always time to discuss men’s health
When it comes to men’s health, there are a lot of things that can fall by the wayside. Men often put their health on the back burner in favour of work, family, and other obligations. But many men don’t realise that their health is vital not only to their own wellbeing but also to the wellbeing of those around them.
That’s why November is such an important month for men’s health awareness. So this year, take the time to focus on your health and wellness during Movember.
Movember
Movember is a global initiative that encourages men to grow moustaches during November to raise awareness for men’s health issues. These include prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and mental health.
While growing a moustache may not seem a serious way to address these issues, it does a lot to open conversations about men’s health. And when it comes to men’s health, open discussion is critical.
Prostate cancer
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men over 45, and testicular cancer is the most common cancer in young men. Both types of cancer are highly treatable if they are caught early. But too often, men are reluctant to talk about their health concerns or go to the doctor for screenings.
Prostate cancer screenings usually involve a digital rectal exam and a PSA test. A digital rectal exam is where the doctor feels for any abnormalities in the prostate gland. The PSA test measures the level of prostate-specific antigens in the blood. These antigens are produced by the prostate gland, and a high level can be an indicator of prostate cancer.
Testicular cancer
Testicular cancer screenings usually involve a physical examination, where the doctor feels for any abnormalities in the testicles. They may also order an ultrasound or blood test to check for markers of testicular cancer.
If you notice changes in your body, for example, in how you pee or poo, or you find any lumps anywhere - go to your GP immediately. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Mental health
Although gaining more acceptance, mental health is still often seen as a taboo topic, especially for men. But the truth is that mental health issues affect men just as much as they do women. In fact, men are more likely to experience some mental health problems, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety.
Suicide
Suicide is the leading cause of death for men under 50 in the UK. Suicide rates among men have been rising in recent years, and it is now estimated that around 6,000 men take their own lives each year. And as you are aware, the construction industry has a very high suicide rate.
In fact, construction workers are three times more likely to commit suicide than the general population. This is partly due to the high rate of job insecurity and stress in the industry, as well as the job’s long hours and physical demands.
If you are a man struggling with mental health issues or know someone who is, it is important to seek help. There are several organisations that can offer support, including the Samaritans, CALM, and Mind.
WHAT YOU CAN DO DURING NOVEMBER
November is the perfect time to focus on your own health and wellbeing. Remember that to reduce your risks of serious illness and disease, you need to live a healthier lifestyle, and you can do that by:
• Exercising regularly
• Eating a healthy diet
• Getting good sleep
• Taking regular breaks
• Having regular periods of rest
• Being more mind and body aware when things are out of kilter for more than a few weeks.
• Check your bits regularly
• Go for medical screenings when invited
Make a difference in your own health and help others with theirs. And maybe grow a moustache for Movember!
For more information on Movember, go to: https://uk.movember.com/
