Each November, men around the world grow moustaches to support better men’s health. Established in 2003, Movember is now the biggest global voice aiming to “make a difference in men’s mental health and suicide prevention, prostate cancer and testicular cancer.”
We look at how you can support yourself, or your friends and family, to achieve good health. Not just in Movember, but throughout the whole year.
Why men’s health particularly?
Did you know that men die on average 5 years earlier than women, and for largely preventable reasons?
Men’s health outcomes are worse than women’s, almost across the board. For example, men have higher rates of obesity, mental ill health, and non-sex-specific cancers in comparison with women. In fact, men are 70% more likely to die from a cancer that ‘should’ affect the sexes equally.
In addition, around 10.8 million men globally are facing life with a prostate cancer diagnosis. And testicular cancer is the most common cancer among young men.
But it’s not just physical health that’s affected. Across the world, one man dies by suicide every minute of every day. In the UK alone in 2021, males accounted for 74% of all suicides. Men are also more likely to use drugs or be dependent on alcohol.
Men are often seen as less willing to open up to a GP, friend or relative about their health concerns. And it might have been years since visiting a doctor. But talking and sharing your concerns saves lives!
Movember prioritises conversations about the hard topics in male-friendly environments, so that men feel able to access the information and support they need to stay well.
What are the most important actions you can take (or encourage the men in your life to take!)?
- Accept the invitation to a free NHS health check if you get one
- Ask for a health check or cancer screening if you’re worried about your risks or family history
- Talk to a friend, your GP or a support service if you feel low for a prolonged period of time
- Include more movement, sleep and healthy food into your daily life
- Cut down on smoking and alcohol
- Socialise with people you enjoy being with
- Take our online assessment on our website to see how we can support you - all our services are free
What services can EWS provide?
Free health checks:
We can arrange a free NHS health check for you. This screening will give you information on your overall physical health, as well as measure your risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney disease and diabetes.
Mental health:
Contact EWS for support with social isolation and mental health concerns.
Physical health:
We can support you with stopping smoking, increasing your physical activity, reducing your alcohol intake, getting better sleep and managing your weight.
Get in touch
Click the below button to take our online assessment to help you understand more about your health needs, prioritise them and find the right support for you.
Take the Online Assessment TODAY
Alternatively, if you would like to speak to someone about any of our services, or would like assistance taking the assessment online please contact us on 0300 303 9988 or email provide.essexwellbeing@nhs.net to talk to one of our friendly team members.
