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Movember - Let's talk about Men's health...
Date Published: 01/11/2022
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5 things worth knowing about men's health
1. Make man time
Stay connected. Spending time with your friends is good for you. Catch up regularly, check in and make time.
2. Have open conversations
Talk about what's really going on. Listen. Being there for someone can be lifesaving.
3. Know the numbers
At 50, talk to your doctor about prostate cancer. If you're African or Caribbean descent, or have a family history of prostate cancer, have the conversation at 45.
4. Know thy nuts
Check yourself regularly and get to know what's normal for you. Something doesn't seem right? Go to the doctor.
5. Move more
Get active on a daily basis. Do more of what makes you feel good.
It's good to talk... about men's health
You can’t fix someone else’s problems, but you can be there for them. Sometimes listening is the most helpful thing you can do. You won’t make things worse by asking someone how they’re doing.
Keep in mind that it’s always worth preparing yourself before you start the conversation.
- Check in with yourself
- Are you in a good state of mind?
- Do you have time to listen?
- If they’re not ready to talk or don’t want to talk to you, are you OK with that?
- If they’re ready to talk, set a time...
- ...and just be you
You can help
Men’s health is in crisis. Men are dying on average five years earlier than women, and for largely preventable reasons.
Whether it’s prostate cancer (around 10.8m diagnoses globally), testicular cancer (the most common cancer among young men) or suicide (one man dies by suicide every minute of every day), there are profound negative outcomes for boys and men in the UK.
If you know someone who seems to be going through a tough time, they might not talk about it even if they want to. The first step in looking out for them is reaching out.
Even when things seem tough, there’s a lot we can do to look after ourselves and others. That’s why we provide reliable, expert information to help men cope and live happier, healthier, longer lives – no matter what life throws.
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.
“We respond differently to life’s unexpected challenges. Sometimes, though, that can leave us feeling worried or overwhelmed. It’s our hope that we can connect men with the right support, and equip their peers with the confidence and skills to reach out and help when it’s most needed.” - Global Director of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, Movember.
ALEC
Ask
Start by asking how they’re feeling. It’s worth mentioning any changes you’ve picked up on. Maybe they’re spending more time at the bar, gone quiet in the group chat, or not turning up to social events. Whatever it is, they’re just not themselves.
Trust your instinct. Remember, people often say “I’m fine” when they’re not, so don’t be afraid to ask twice.
Listen
Give them your full attention. Let them know you’re hearing what they’re saying and you’re not judging. You don’t have to diagnose problems or offer solutions, but asking questions lets them know you’re listening.
Encourage action
Help them focus on simple things that might improve how they feel. Are they getting enough sleep? Are they exercising and eating well? Maybe there’s something that’s helped them in the past – it’s worth asking.
Suggest that they share how they’re feeling with others they trust. This will make things easier for both of you. And if they’ve felt low for more than two weeks, suggest that they chat to their doctor.
Check in
Suggest a catch up soon – in person if you can. If you can’t manage a meet-up, make time for a call, or drop them a message. This helps to show that you care; plus, you’ll get a feel for whether they’re feeling any better.