Movember - Mens Health Awareness Month
Movember, also known as Men’s health awareness month, started in 2008, originally focusing on prostate and testicular cancer but over the years it has expanded to include mens mental health and suicide prevention.
According to the Movember movement website; “A growing number of men – around 10.8M globally – are facing life with a prostate cancer diagnosis. Globally, testicular cancer is the most common cancer among young men. And across the world, one man dies by suicide every minute of every day, with males accounting for 69% of all suicides.”
What can you do for Movember?
There are many ways you can get involved with the Movember campaign: One of the most popular ways is to grow a moustache to raise funds and show solidarity. However there are many ways to raise funds;
Run or walk 60km - In remembrance of the 60 men lost to suicide every hour
Host a Mo-ment - Organise a gathering or event of supporters to raise funds
Fundraise at work - To raise funds but also to have important conversations around men’s mental health. Movember has a great workplace campaign where you sign up a team to get your own ‘Mo Space’ where you will get access to their resource hub.
You can also support the campaign by buying some of their merchandise.
There are also several ways to donate:
Once off donation
Donate to a specific person or team that's fundraising
Set up monthly donations
ALEC
You can also be involved by having a conversation with the men in your life using the ALEC programme.
Ask - Start by opening a conversation with the men in your life. By simply asking how they are and how they are feeling.
Listen - Give them time to respond and open up, let them feel that you are hearing what they are saying without judgement.
Encourage Action - Help him focus on simple things that might improve how he feels.
Check in - Make time to check in with them and see how they’re doing.
If you would like more information or support on how to have these conversations with the men in your life, please use this amazing resource - Tackle important conversions.
Men’s Health Clinic
Here at Ballsbridge Physiotherapy Clinic we have years of experience in helping men through a range of different health issues.