No-Shave November: Raising Awareness for Men’s Health

Perhaps you’ve noticed more men sporting mustaches and facial hair this month. Or maybe you’ve heard of No-Shave November and Movember and wondered what all the fuss was about. Movember and No-Shave November are two movements dedicated to raising awareness for some of the most common health challenges faced by men: prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and mental illness. The concept behind these movements is to go shave-free for the entire month of November (women can participate, too!). Then, at the end of the month, you donate the money you would have spent on shaving towards organizations that educate about cancer and suicide prevention, save lives, and aid those fighting these battles.

Throughout the world, women live longer than men, although this gap varies tremendously in less developed countries. According to the CIA World Factbook, in the United States, average longevity for women is 82.2 years for women and 77.2 years for men, a five-year gap.  Many men have the mentality of “if it isn’t broke, don’t fix it”, so if they cannot see or feel an external stimulus, they will think there is nothing ever wrong.  A majority of men are just not aware of what they can do to improve their health and live healthier and happier lives.

Being informed about the symptoms, risk factors, and available tests can empower men to lead a healthier life. So, in the spirit of raising awareness for men’s health during the month of November, we’ve compiled a list of what you need to know about some of the most prevalent health concerns in men.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR MEN'S HEALTH BEGINNING AT AGE 20 AND BEYOND

1. Get an annual physical exam by your primary care provider, including blood pressure, and height/weight checks.
2. Annually screen for testicular cancer that includes monthly self-exams.
3. Have cholesterol testing every five years.
4. Screen for diabetes, thyroid disease, liver problems, and anemia.
5. At 30, screen for coronary heart disease, especially with a strong family history of the disease and/or risk factors.
6. At 40, screen for thyroid disease, liver problems, anemia, and prostate cancer.
7. At 50, screen for cholesterol every five years; annually screen for Type II diabetes; lipid disorders; and skin, colon, and lung cancer. Obtain a shingles vaccine.
8. At 60, screen for depression, osteoporosis, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and abdominal aortic aneurysm. Have a carotid artery ultrasound.
9. At 70, depending on previous findings, some screenings may be done every six months.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR MEN’S HEALTH REGARDLESS OF AGE

1. Men have more difficulty handling stress than women, partially because women have better social networks and more friends with whom then can confide. Thus, men should seek out more friends, whether they are male or female.
2. Laughter increases endorphins, thereby increasing longevity. Get a sense of humor and engage with others with whom you can laugh.
3. Avoid excessive sun exposure.
4. Research the reliability of vitamins or herbs before starting them. Make sure it is recommended by professionals, not just the manufacturer of the item.
5. Don’t become a workaholic; it increases stress and can lead to health concerns such as hypertension and weight gain. Get a hobby that helps you decrease stress, exercise in the manner you prefer, and seek help with diet to maintain a desirable weight.
6. Men, especially young men, are known for engaging in risky behaviors. Wear seatbelts, helmets when riding bicycles or motorcycles, and please don’t text or talk on the telephone when driving.

When it comes to their health, too many men don’t talk and don’t take action. If you are worried about a friend or loved one and their risk factors, talk with them about early detection.  Help  them by reminding them to schedule an annual physical, if they don’t already have it on the calendar...it could save their life.

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