MEN ’ S HEALTH :
HEALTH + WELLNESS
MEN ’ S HEALTH :
MOVEMBER EXPLAINED
A SHOCKING STATISTIC REVEALED BY MOVEMBER , THE LEADING GLOBAL ORGANISATION COMMITTED TO CHANGING THE FACE OF MEN ' S HEALTH , HAS REVEALED THAT MEN WILL DIE ON AVERAGE 4.5 YEARS EARLIER THAN WOMEN , AND FOR REASONS THAT ARE LARGELY PREVENTABLE . OUR FATHERS , PARTNERS , BROTHERS AND FRIENDS ARE FACING A HEALTH CRISIS ; MEN ARE DYING TOO YOUNG FROM SUICIDE , PROSTATE CANCER AND TESTICULAR CANCER , AND SINCE 2003 , MOVEMBER HAS FUNDED MORE THAN 1,250 MEN ’ S HEALTH PROJECTS AROUND THE WORLD , CHALLENGING THE STATUS QUO , SHAKING UP MEN ’ S HEALTH RESEARCH AND TRANSFORMING THE WAY HEALTH SERVICES REACH AND SUPPORT MEN .
What is Movember ?
Movember is an annual event involving the growing of moustaches during the month of November to raise awareness of men ' s health issues , such as prostate cancer , testicular cancer , and male suicide . It is a portmanteau of the Australian-English diminutive word for moustache - ‘ mo ’ - and ‘ November ’.
How to Spot the Signs
Signs that someone could be in distress might include :
• Not sleeping
• Eating less or more than usual
• Forgetting grooming ( unclean clothes , not showering or brushing teeth )
• Avoiding social situations
• Missing social or sports events
• Going quiet on social media or messaging apps
• Being more irritable than usual
• Talking of death and dying , or increased hopelessness
If you spot a friend whose behaviour is out of character , it ' s important to check in with them – it might just save their life .
Simple Steps to Important Conversations
Men sometimes aren ’ t comfortable reaching out and opening up about life ’ s challenges , or they think they ’ ll be burdening their friends if they do . If someone you care about seems to be going through a tough time , they might not talk about it even if they want to , and although you can ’ t fix someone else ’ s problems , you can be there for them . Sometimes listening is the most helpful thing you can do . It ’ s always worth preparing yourself before you start the conversation , however , and Movember recommend we reach out with ALEC .
A ... Ask Start by asking how he ’ s feeling . It ’ s worth mentioning any changes you ’ ve picked up on . Maybe he ’ s spending more time at the pub , has gone quiet in the group chat , or isn ’ t turning up to social events . Whatever it is , he ’ s just not himself . Use a prompt like : " You haven ’ t seemed yourself lately – are you feeling OK ?" And always trust your instinct . Remember , people often say " I ' m fine " when they ’ re not , so don ' t be afraid to ask twice .
L ... Listen Give him your full attention . Let him know you ’ re hearing what he ’ s saying and you ’ re not judging . You don ’ t have to diagnose problems or offer solutions , but asking questions lets him know you ’ re listening . Start with something like : “ That can ' t be easy – how long have you felt this way ?”
E ... Encourage Action Help him focus on simple things that might improve how he feels . Is he getting enough sleep ? Is he exercising and eating well ? Maybe there ’ s something that ’ s helped him in the past – it ’ s worth asking . Suggest that he share how he ’ s feeling with others he trusts . This will make things easier for both of you . And if he ’ s felt low for more than two weeks , suggest that he chat to his doctor .
C ... Check In Suggest you catch up soon – in person if you can . If you can ’ t manage a meet up , make time for a call , or drop him a message . This helps to show that you care , plus you ’ ll get a good sense of whether he ’ s feeling any better .
Put simply , no one can afford to stay silent – we can all take action so that men can live healthier , happier and longer lives . To find out more about how you can support the Movember movement this month , whether that ’ s by growing a mo , mo-ving for mental health , or hosting a mo-ment , head to movember . com .
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