No-Shave November Spotlights Men’s Health: 5 Things You Can Do To Stay Healthy & Help Raise Awareness
Posted by Erin Cox on
Every year, thousands of gentlemen across the globe forgo their razors for a month to raise awareness of men’s health issues. No-Shave November, also known as Movember, has been a growing movement over the past two decades to specifically focus attention on the prevention and care for prostate cancer, men’s mental health, and suicide prevention.
Approximately 1 in 9 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer. In the U. S., more than 33,000 deaths will be caused by the disease this year alone. But there is good news too. If you are aware of the symptoms you can catch it early. Symptoms may include difficulty urinating, blood in urine, frequent urination, and frequent pain or stiffness in your lower back, hips, or upper thighs. If you or someone you know is experiencing these, it is time to have a talk with your doctor. For men diagnosed with prostate cancer, there are several treatment options available and survival rates have improved.
Another issue at the forefront is men’s mental health and the rising prevalence of suicide which has been even more pronounced since the implementation of quarantine measures due to COVID19 earlier this year. Look for these signs and symptoms which may indicate someone is suffering from major depressive disorder; showing emotions of sadness, anger, or irritability, feeling tired, a sudden loss of interest in work, family, or hobbies, just to name a few.
Prostate cancer is treatable if caught early enough and suicides are preventable. Here are five things you can do right now to maintain a Positive Outlook and take part in the fight against these serious issues men face.
1. Stay Connected – It may seem difficult in our day of social distancing but it’s more important now than ever to keep in touch with family and friends. Make a point of reaching out to your loved ones. If you can’t be there in person, try a phone call or Zoom meeting. No one should have to feel alone in a world of seven billion people.
2. Talk More – Be willing to initiate difficult conversations. Men tend not to talk about their feelings especially with other men for fear they will be viewed as weak. But the truth is that it takes strength to discuss heavy hitting issues that society has always taught were taboo. Be the person to take a stand against the stigma and start the dialogue, especially if you suspect someone of contemplating taking their life.
3. Listen More – It sounds simple enough but taking the time to listen can make all the difference to someone who may be thinking about suicide. It may also be the kind gesture needed to help a friend who may have just been diagnosed with cancer or is going through treatments.
4. Know Your Risks – At age 50, you should speak with your doctor about your risks for prostate cancer. Your risk factors may be elevated if you are African American or if your father or brothers have been previously diagnosed. If so, the conversation with your doctor should begin by age 45.
5. Have Healthy Habits – Healthy habits such as eating well and exercising regularly go a long way towards prevention of a myriad of diseases and mental health struggles. Use natural and organic products when you can. Find ways to manage your work/life balance. It’s okay to get help from family, friends, or a professional if you have to. Including massage and facials in your self-care regimen not only help you destress, but also exfoliates and revives the skin. It also increases blood circulation which promotes good heart health. Talk to your health care provider for tips on more healthy lifestyle habits that works for you.
Though No-Shave November only comes around once a year, the five practices above should be used year-round. Take this opportunity to shed light on these important issues. Men, share this with your fathers, sons, and friends and women share it with the men in your lives as a way to start the conversation about cancer and suicide prevention and make the resources readily available for men to live happier, healthier, and longer lives.
For more information, check out cdc.gov/cancer
If you or someone you know may be contemplating suicide, help is available 24/7 from the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or online at samhsa.gov
Disclaimer:
The information in this blog is published in good faith and provided solely for educational and informational purposes only. It is not meant to indicate, diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition. If you have a medical concern or condition, it is advisable that you seek medical advice from your health care provider. By reading this blog, using our website, or purchasing our products, you are agreeing to the details of this Disclaimer.