Did you know that men die an average of 6 years younger than women? Movember in South Africa is part of a global movement that that was created to help promote men’s health and take action to help men live happier, longer, and healthier lives.
So, just how can men go about living healthier, longer and happier lives? Well, it turns out there are a number of ways to do so. But before we get into them, let’s take a look at what Movember is and what the well-known movement stands for.
What is Movember in South Africa?
Movember is an annual event, hosted on a global scale, where people across the world take part in raising awareness and educating one another on the topic of men’s health.
The initiative involves the growing of moustaches during the month of November to raise awareness of men’s health issues, such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and mental health.
Movember is now in 21 countries worldwide, which makes it the largest men’s health movement in the world.
Why the moustache?
The moustache is the badge of honour that starts conversations about men’s health.
What should I do to help?
Grow a ‘stache or challenge yourself to get physically active during the month of November to raise awareness and funds for men’s health.
Some men grow moustaches and create crowdfunding pages to get people to donate to cause of Movember.
How to improve men’s health
1. Talk about your feelings
There’s a common misconception that men should not show their emotions or soft side to others. Which is why so many men develop this hard exterior and only a few people in their lives will ever see their gentle and emotional side.
It’s never a good idea to leave things bottled up. We all deal with stress, sadness, and tough times and sometimes, a beer with the boys just won’t fix it. It helps to talk to a professional therapist. This allows someone with an objective viewpoint to understand your situation and your emotions.
Whether your work is stressing you out, your partner or your childhood left some deep-seated and unresolved issues, it’s time to put your mental health first and get some professional help.
2. Move as much as you can
As mentioned, the month of Movember in South Africa encourages daily movement and exercise. Exercise has a number of incredible benefits. From improving your mood, alleviating stress and giving you a confidence boost – there’s nothing a daily workout can’t help with. The great thing about exercise is that it improves both your mental and physical wellbeing.
Experts suggest that as little as 30 minutes of movement a day (including a brisk walk) is enough to significantly improve your health. So go for a run, join the gym or just get outdoors and get active!
3. Chat to your doctor about your health risks
At 50, you need to chat to your doctor about your risks of prostate cancer and whether you need to have a PSA test. If you are of Caribbean or African descent or your father or brother was diagnosed with prostate cancer, then you need to get checked sooner.
Ensure you have annual health check-ups with your doctor (seriously, you need to go for a check-up with your doctor AT LEAST once a year). This form of routine healthcare will help your doctor to detect and treat any health concerns before they progress and develop into a serious issue.
4. Check yourself
As well as annually checking in with your doctor, you need to also ensure you perform your own physical examination on your testicles. Here is a basic outline of how to perform a testicular self-exam:
- Examine the skin of your scrotum and look for any swelling.
- Examine each testicle using your hands.
- Gently roll each testicle between your fingers and thumbs to look for any changes such as lumps, bumps, or changes in size.
If you notice anything strange, chat with your doctor. Some doctors recommend that you self-examine your testicles once a month. Have a look at how to perform a thorough self-exam.
5. Get medical cover
And don’t forget to be responsible and ensure you are covered for expected and unexpected doctor visits with medical aid or health insurance. Oneplan Health insurance offers comprehensive cover (day-to-day AND in-hospital benefits) and is an affordable alternative to medical aid. We also pay you BEFORE you see your doctor so you can get the care you need when you need it most – even the day before payday!
Related: What is the Difference Between Medical Aid and Medical Insurance?
Private healthcare is expensive, and you want to ensure your health is in capable hands. With health insurance, you have instant access to private healthcare and at a fraction of the cost of medical aid.
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