Facial Hair for a Cure
We’re in the middle of Movember, a time each November when men around the world grow as fashionable a ‘stache as their faces will allow. Each mustachioed man takes part in promoting men’s health and helps raise money to combat men’s health issues.
Movember focuses on health issues unique to men like prostate and testicular cancer, which are growing issues. Experts predict prostate cancer rates will double in the next 15 years, while testicular cancer rates have already doubled in the last 50. And preventable health issues like these play a big role in men dying six years younger on average than women.
In recent years, Movember has grown to include mental health and suicide prevention. Globally, a man dies by suicide once every minute, and nearly four times more often than women. Colby Shinkle, Hunter Health Physician Assistant, says the disparity in health is due to cultural stigma and pressure.
Prioritizing Your Health
“They just have this pressure to always show up and never show weakness and always be the tough guy. And going to the doctor is sometimes perceived as weakness,” Colby says. “It’s actually a sign of intelligence and a sign of strength saying ‘hey I know what my limitations are, and I’m going to go seek help for that.’”
At Hunter Health, we provide care for the body, mind, and spirit in every appointment. Even if you come in for a simple checkup, our unique integrated care model will help you take control of your entire health.
That takes a situation like talking about mental health, which can be scary for men, and simplifies the steps to getting that care.
“Every patient gets a screening for anxiety and depression. And if for some reason it is positive, one of our Integrated Care Consultants will come by with some follow-up questions. Then I can suggest a treatment,” Colby says. “It can be as simple as a slight lifestyle change. But we don’t know if you don’t come in and talk to us about what’s going on.”
Here are 5 simple yet effective changes to take control of your mental health.
- Be open and talk to someone you trust.
- Exercise. It does great things to your body and mind.
- Take a break – Not everything needs to be solved today.
- Do something you enjoy with a friend.
- If you’ve tried some of these things and still feel bad, talk to a Hunter Health Integrated Care Consultant.
Get involved
Movember encourages men of all ages to promote early cancer detection, diagnosis, effective treatments, and reduce the number of preventable deaths. It’s a call to action for men worldwide to get involved in something fun and encourage a healthier lifestyle.
“Movember takes the pressure off the man.”
Colby Shinkle, Hunter Health Physician Assistant
There are several ways you can get involved and support men’s health:
- Grow a mustache. Your new look will make a statement and encourage other men to consider their health.
- Move for Movember. Run or Walk 60 miles over the month, for the 60 men we lose to suicide every hour across the world.
- Donate to the Movember Foundation. Since 2003, Movember has funded more than 1,250 men’s health projects around the world, meaning you’ll make a direct impact on the health of men worldwide.
With so many options to get involved in this unique promotion of health, there’s no reason to stay on the sidelines. Let’s do our part and help men around the world take control of their health.
You can schedule an appointment with Hunter Health today by calling 316-262-2415.
