Men’s Health Awareness Month
It’s Movember which heralds in another month of men’s health awareness with International Men’s Day falling on November 19th.
Men’s Health Awareness Month is dedicated to bringing awareness to a wide range of men’s health issues.
It is important to point out that women also suffer with a wide range of issues, however we cannot ignore the fact that men tend to be more reluctant to seek help or treatments for their health problems.
Why do men avoid seeking help for health concerns?
Whilst there are a range of factors involved, one of the most common reasons is that seeking help often means having to rely on others, admit there is a problem and express emotions!
The three biggest health issues facing men are: –
- Mental health and suicide
- Testicular cancer
- Prostate cancer
Mental health and suicide
Every minute, somewhere in the world, a man dies by suicide – that’s over 510,000 men each year. Men are disproportionately affected by suicide, with three in four suicides being men. If you or anyone else you know is suffering then please contact James Place for suicide prevention for men
How to help!
Helping someone who is struggling with their mental health is simple, try these steps:
- Listen – try to give them your full attention, do not interrupt. Don’t feel you have to offer solutions or give advice, just let them know you are listening, and you are not judging. Ask questions to let them know you are really paying attention.
- Notice – start by mentioning anything different you have noticed such as coming into work late or missing social events. We often say “I’m fine” when we are not so trust your instincts, if you think there is something wrong don’t be afraid to ask.
- Action – help them focus on simple things that might improve their well being – are they getting enough sleep, exercise or eating properly? Suggest they tell other people who they trust how they are feeling.
- Be there – suggest you catch up soon in person preferably if that’s not possible make time for a telephone call. This will show you care, and you get a feel for their mood. If they have been feeling low for more than two weeks, suggest they see their G.P.
Testicular Cancer
This the number 1 cancer among young men, and yet 62% of those who are most at risk don’t know how to check themselves. The best way to help yourself it to get to know what is normal for you. That way if anything changes you can act on it.
If something hurts, changes or doesn’t feel right, make an appointment with your G.P. and get it checked out.
Prostate Cancer
Only men have a prostate gland and is usually the shape of a walnut which grows bigger as you age.
Prostate cancer occurs when some cells in the prostate reproduce far more rapidly than normal, resulting in a tumour. It often grows slowly to begin with and may never cause any problems. However, these prostate cancer cells may spread from the prostate and invade other parts of the body.
The risk of developing prostate cancer increases with age, but that does not mean it is a disease that only affects old men. Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men worldwide.
Men who have a family history – a brother or father with prostate cancer – are two and a half times more likely to suffer from this cancer.
If you are 50, you should be talking to your G.P. about PSA testing, if you have family history then there is no time like the present!
If you would like some further information or to speak to a member of our team please call us on: Hitchin 01462 420077 or Luton 01582 579687, alternatively e-mail us at: hitchin@healesclinics.com or luton@healesclinics.com