November Brings Focus to Men’s Health and Well-being

(KNSI) – It’s National Men’s Health Awareness Month, sometimes referred to as Movember or No Shave November.

Men who put down the trimmers and let their five o’clock shadow grow are encouraged to donate the money saved from hair maintenance to causes supporting men’s health. CentraCare Family Medical Physician Dr. Nathan Brever wants family members, friends, coworkers, spouses and partners to encourage the men in their lives to care for themselves. “You know, men’s health is taking a backseat in some cases, things like prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health issues, I think sometimes fall under the current a bit.”

There is no set age to get initial screenings; it all depends on things like family history and risk factors, but Dr. Brever advises starting in your 20s and going every five years. In your 30s, you get checked every couple of years; then, at 40, you get checked routinely. “I think general self-awareness and self-check exams can be helpful. Obviously, to find those things early and then, in a broader sense, going in for that general physical. Finding those things like cholesterol, and blood pressure, keep an eye on. Maybe the bigger picture things.”

Officials say many men only go to the doctor if there’s a problem, and sometimes it’s too late. Dr. Brever thinks men stay away from the doctor’s office because connecting with a physician is hard for them, but it’s essential. “I think sharing private information with anyone can be particularly hard. Sometimes, it can make you feel a bit vulnerable, especially if you don’t know that doctor. I think it’s really important to find a provider that you feel comfortable with.”

He says you can build that comfort by going to routine appointments.

According to the Minnesota Department of Health, one in eight men in their lifetime will be diagnosed with prostate cancer, and one out of 250 men will develop testicular cancer. They are the two most common cancers for men.

Other health threats for guys are cardiovascular disease, heart attacks, stroke, and heart failure.

Mental health also cannot be ignored. One in ten men will experience anxiety or depression daily, but only half of those men will seek treatment. Over 75% of people who die by suicide are men. Doctors report over 60% of men will have a traumatic event in their life that can cause Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

For more on Men’s Health Awareness Month, click here.

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