Men’s Health Awareness Month | No Shave November

November is Men’s Health Awareness Month, with International Men’s Day on November 19th. This month, we’re focusing on raising awareness about prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health, and suicide prevention.

Our Community Health Nurse, Thomas Hall, BSN, RN, shares some essential insights in his latest blog post:

The goal of Men’s Health Awareness Month is to raise awareness about prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health, and suicide prevention. The Movember Foundation adopted the moustache as a symbol to bring attention to these issues.

Did you know nearly half of all men will face a cancer diagnosis? How about the fact that only 1 in 8 rate their health as “fair” or “poor.”

The reasons behind these numbers are complicated, but much of it comes down to a poor understanding or awareness of the health issues men face. Men are often reluctant to discuss their health, especially their mental well-being, making it challenging to encourage open conversations. This hesitancy is further compounded by their tendency to engage in risky behaviors and the stigmas surrounding mental health, making it rare for men to openly address any health concerns.

To help with this, we need to be more proactive about men’s health issues. Get that PSA checked starting at 45. It could save your life. Early detection is the key. I remember my own father dealing with early prostate cancer. It was not pleasant.

Testicular cancer is the most common cancer among young men. Be sure to perform regular self-checks, and if something feels off, contact your provider right away! Mental health and suicide rates are not acceptable among any group. Men need to understand that it’s okay to reach out and talk to someone when they’re feeling stressed, depressed, or overwhelmed. It’s OK to not be OK. Call 988 if you need to talk to someone; they can guide you to a provider that will listen and help.

Check out Movember.com for education and inspiring stories.

Take control of your health, guys! Remember, with a great moustache comes great responsibility!