MOVEmber on the Cooloola Coast
Men’s Health or Movember!
This month is Movember where men are able to grow a moustache to raise funds and awareness of men’s health issues. Since 2003, millions have joined the men’s health movement, raising $685 million and funding over 1,000 programs focusing on prostate cancer, testicular cancer, poor mental health and physical inactivity (from Movember website).
This year the Movember Foundation are encouraging two ways to raise funds and awareness: Moustaches in Movember and MOVE in Movember which is a 30 day physical fitness challenge. Why MOVE? Because sitting is the new smoking. We all know exercise is good for us, and most of us could stand to do a little more. In fact, moving on a regular basis can reduce your risk of heart disease, diabetes, and cancer by up to 50%.
Be a champion of men's health, starting with your own.
Men need to take control of their health and look after themselves. Check in regularly with friends and family. It’s all too easy to prioritise other aspects of your life but make sure you put effort into staying connected with friends – for your own benefit but also theirs too.
MOVE. The best thing you can do for your health is to stay active. How you MOVE is up to you. Whether it’s a work out one day, a quick jog at lunchtime the next, an hour at the ping-pong table, or an epic bike ride, no MOVE is too big or small.
Talk about the big stuff in life. The break-up of a relationship, loss of a job, financial trouble or becoming a father are big moments in a man’s life that happen to many men. It’s important to recognise the impact of these and know it’s ok to talk about how you’re coping with the change.
Knowledge is power. Family history is one of the most powerful tools to understanding your health. Family history affects your level of risk for cancer, diabetes, heart disease and stroke, among other illnesses. It all starts with a conversation; talk to your family and take note of illnesses that a direct relative has experienced. Be sure to learn about relatives that are deceased as well.
If you notice something, do something! You know your body better than anyone. If you notice something isn’t feeling right, don’t put it off and hope that it goes away, go to the doctor and get it checked out. Early detection is the most important factor in treating the big issues.
Prostate Cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australian men. 1 in 7 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer before the age of 75. On average 9 Australian men will die from prostate cancer every day. Around 120,000 Australian men are living with prostate cancer, and is predicted to increase to 267,000 by 2017. If you notice a change in urinary or sexual function see your doctor.
Testicular Cancer. The rate of men diagnosed with testicular cancer has doubled in the last 50 years. Know the risks, check yourself. Testicular cancer is the second most common cancer, behind skin cancers, in young men aged 18 – 39 years. 780 new cases will be diagnosed in Australia in 2015. 36 is the average age of a man diagnosed with testicular cancer in Australia. There are many signs and symptoms of testicular cancer, please see https://au.movember.com/mens-health/testicular-cancer for more information.
Poor Mental Health: Awareness and Support: Take action, stay connected, and look after your mental health. 1 in 2 Australian men had a mental health problem at some point in their life. On average 5 men each day take their life through suicide in Australia. 1 in 8 men will experience depression in their lifetime.
Mental health: Why it matters: Anyone, of any age, can be affected by poor mental health. Many men find it difficult to share their problems and try to remain ‘strong and silent’ rather than getting support when it’s needed, despite the detrimental effect this can have. It’s important to be proactive about your mental health, be aware of risk factors and symptoms, and stay connected with your friends and family.
Beyond Blue can provide you with immediate support 1300 22 4636 or on their website https://www.beyondblue.org.au
Physical Inactivity: It’s the fourth leading risk factor for global mortality and causes 3.2 million deaths globally. Physical inactivity is killing us. Approximately 3.2 million deaths each year are attributable to insufficient physical activity. Physical inactivity is the fourth leading risk factor for global mortality. 41% of men in high-income countries don’t exercise enough.
The issue with physical inactivity: Physical inactivity is a big deal. Being active is essential to prevent and reduce risks of many diseases and improve physical and mental health.
The Fitness Professionals on the Cooloola Coast invite men to come and try their fitness classes and services to help our local men become more physically active. There are many options available to suit all fitness levels. There are free group fitness classes this month with Cooloola Coast Pilates & PT, KB Health & Fitness and The First Step. Get in touch to find out more!
Cooloola Coast Pilates & Personal Training – Pilates and Step Classes, Personal and Group Training. 0432 690 194 or www.cooloolacoastpilates.com
KB Health & Fitness – outdoor fitness classes and evening cardio and HIIT classes. Phone 0409 957 753 or facebook: KB Health and Fitness.
The First Step – Emillia McAuliffe – Circuit and Boxing Classes and Personal Training. Phone 0437 117 891.
Cooloola Coast Yoga – Yoga, Stretching and Meditation. Phone 0427864220
Cooloola Coast Rehab & Fitness – Exercise Physiologist. Phone 0433 958 384
My EP – Exercise Physiologist. Phone 0431 192 284
Yours in Health and Fitness,
Sarah Booth
Cooloola Coast Pilates & Personal Training
0432 690 194
Sources: Movember Foundation https://au.movember.com/about/foundation
Image from movember foundation website:
