WHAT IS MOVEMBER? HINT: MEN\’S HEALTH

Have you started to notice more mustaches around? It’s not just your imagination, but it’s actually a movement that was started back in 2003 in Australia by a couple of guys drinking beers. They sought to encourage men to grow their “mo” (mustache) originally as a way to resurrect an old fashion trend and raise money for prostate cancer. Movember is spotlighted in November, when moustaches are grown out in order to raise awareness about men’s health.

Today it has become global initiative, and now serves as a symbolic conversation starter, to get men talking about issues such as prostate and testicular cancer to depression and suicide. Since inception 16 years ago, the non-profit organization has raised $911 million dollars for men’s health. For comparison sake, Susan G. Komen has funded over $800 million to breast cancer research, since it’s start in approximately 1982.  

The Movember organization encourages every man know these 5 things: 

1. Stay connected to friends who make you feel good

2. Talk more

3. Know your numbers: prostate should be checked at age 50; or age 45 if African American or any decent if you have a relative 

4. Know your nuts: testicular exams

5. Move more: yep good ‘ol exercise 

I’ll be presenting a little mo’ info, in the form of Q & A

What are the Top 3 Things that men die from? 

Another way to look at this is that caution and attention should be given to these things, as a way to live longer. The leading cause of death is heart disease. Heart Disease includes issues with blood vessels, structural problems and blood clots. Atherosclerosis, which is hardening of the arteries is the most common type of heart disease. Many of cardiovascular conditions can be related to diet, exercise, and smoking. 

Cancer is the 2nd leading cause of death; most notable lung cancer. The 3rd is unintentional injuries, such as car accidents, poisoning, and falling. 

In conclusion, what this means is eat healthy, move your body and don’t smoke to do all you can to protect your heart and lungs. As well as take safety precautions to avoid accidents.

What about suicide?

Sadly, on a global level, every minute man dies by taking his own life. In the US, it accounts for 75% of suicides compared to females. There are likely numerous factors that go into these statistics. One of the pervasive notions held in our society, is that men should be tough and not show emotion. This is a big myth that needs to be changed. Quoted on the Movember site, is “To be a man of less anxiety, I had to be a man of more words.”

What about the prostate?

This is a gland that sits below the bladder and in front of the rectum, and normally can range in size from a walnut to a golf ball. The function of the prostate is to secrete fluid which helps make up semen, as well as help with muscular contraction to get the fluid into the urethra during ejaculation. 

Statistically 1 in 8 men will get prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men, except for skin cancer. 

Approximately 60% of cases are diagnosed in men over 65. The average age of diagnosis is 66; the disease rarely occurs before age 40. For unknown reasons, the risk of prostate cancer is about 60% higher in black men than in white men.

When prostate cancer does cause symptoms or signs, it is usually diagnosed in a later stage.

These symptoms and signs may include:  

• Frequent urination

• Weak or interrupted urine flow or the need to strain to empty the bladder

• The urge to urinate frequently at night

• Blood in the urine

• Blood in the seminal fluid

• New onset of erectile dysfunction

• Pain or burning during urination, which is much less common

• Discomfort or pain when sitting, caused by an enlarged prostate

What about Testicular cancer? 

Most cases occur between ages 20 and 54. The symptoms can range from:

• Lump, enlargement or change in size, fluid or pain in testicles or heavy feeling in the scrotum

• Dull ache in the abdomen or groin

• Swollen lymph nodes

• Weight loss 

• Breast pain/tenderness

• Swelling in legs

What about Erectile Dysfunction?

It’s a very common condition, affecting 3 million men. The causes can be physical or mental. On the physical side it generally can be associated with blood flow, nerve supply and hormones. There is a spectrum of ED, ranging from can’t get an erection, not full enough, or can’t maintain. 

As noted by the Cleveland Clinic, the prevalence noted by research from 1994 is that 5% of men at the age of 40 have it, and approximately 15% of men at the age of 70. 

The most frequent causes maybe related to diabetes and vascular disease. About 90% of cases of ED are connected to a physical issue, and approximately 10% mental-emotional. 

If you\’re wondering if you have a psychological or physical cause; you could try the postage stamp test, although it is outdated due to technological advances, it is easy and inexpensive.

What does know your numbers mean?

There are several metrics in health, that one should know, and get checked regularly. They are: 

• Blood pressure, weight, and BMI (Body Mass Index)

• Cholesterol, blood sugar, and possibly HbA1c

• Vitamin D and Vitamin B12

• Testosterone, Free and Total

• HIV

There are other screening exams to consider like yearly or every 2 years getting an eye exams to screen for glaucoma, and other issues by an optometrist. Skin checks with a dermatologist might be important if there are changes, or something looks abnormal. Dental cleanings every 6 months are also an important part of maintaining optimal health. 

Your health is your greatest wealth!

This should be a priority, if you aren’t healthy, life will be much harder, and those around you won’t get the full experience of you, at your best.

What are 1 to 3 things you will do, starting today to put this information into action?

Share with me, a friend or loved one for added accountability.