It’s that time of year again when many of the men in your office will be working hard to grow their mo’s for Movember.
Some will struggle, while others are simply born to don the ’stache. Either way, all are doing their bit to help raise awareness for men’s health worldwide.
However, this month is not only a time to think more about health issues afflicting the male population, but to actively work towards creating change.
The Movember charity is one such champion of change, and focuses on the fight against prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health challenges, and suicide prevention.
We know that’s a handful of very different issues, but combating them is built around the same five practical tips that every man should adopt into their daily routine.
1. Move More
Increase your daily physical activity. Do more of what makes you feel good for it’s unlikely to last if you hate it.
Take a walking meeting instead of a stuffy conference room, take the stairs, cycle to work, get off the train a stop or two earlier and walk the rest of the way. A few extra steps a day can make a huge difference to your physical and mental health.
2. Make more time for your mates
Maintaining your social networks, close or distant, is incredibly important to your mental health. Regularly check in with your friends and family.
At the very least, just respond to those old messages you left on read at the beginning of the month so you can start setting up a friend date.
3. Have open conversations
You don’t need to be an expert on personal health issues and you don’t have to be the sole solution to particular problems.
Simply being there for someone (a friend or colleague), listening and giving your time can be lifesaving. Let people know you’re there for them if they need to talk, and share more with others.
Make sure you put more effort into having meaningful conversations – not just rattling on about the weather yet again.
4. Get familiar with your nuts
Simple. Get to know what’s normal for your own testicles.
Give them a check regularly and go to the doctor if something doesn’t feel right. Don’t be shy about getting yourself checked.
5. Know the numbers
All men should know that you should talk to your doctor about prostate cancer and whether it’s right for you to have a PSA test when you turn 50.
But if you are of African or Caribbean descent, or have a father or brother with prostate cancer, you should actually be having this conversation at 45.
Know your numbers, know your risk, talk to your doctor.
