Every November, the moustache becomes a familiar sight as men across the country take part in Movember. But behind the facial hair is a serious message. Men’s health deserves more attention. For many men, looking after their health can slip down the list of priorities. So what can men do to take control of their health this Movember?
- Make time for physical activity
Regular exercise benefits heart health and reduces cholesterol. It can help you maintain a healthy weight and can even improve sleep and mood. While intense exercise has its merits, being psychically active can be as simple as walking during a lunch break or playing a sport at the weekend. Men who spend much of their working day sitting should try to break up prolonged periods of inactivity, while those in physically demanding jobs need to consider recovery, mobility and fatigue.
The important distinction is that physical activity and occupational exertion are not always the same thing. Heavy lifting and repetitive movements can place considerable strain on the body without providing the same balanced benefits as planned exercise. Finding an activity that suits your health, abilities and routine is a practical place to start.
- Pay attention to what you eat and drink
Diet plays an important role in men’s long term health, particularly when it comes to conditions like cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Doctors recommend a balanced diet containing vegetables, fruit, wholegrains, beans, nuts and sources of lean protein. When breaks are unpredictable or food choices are limited, convenience often takes priority. Preparing meals in advance, keeping nutritious snacks available and drinking water regularly can help make healthier choices easier during a busy working week.
Alcohol is another consideration. Drinking heavily can affect sleep, blood pressure and liver health. Reviewing how much you drink, rather than focusing only on occasional excess, can help identify unhealthy habits. Men who are concerned about their drinking should speak to a GP or an appropriate support service.
- Take mental health seriously
Men often find it difficult to discuss how they feel. Expectations around masculinity, and the belief that personal problems should be handled alone, can make asking for help seem impossible. Talking to someone you trust is the first step. That might be a friend, family member, colleague or healthcare professional. Workplaces that encourage respectful conversations, train managers to recognise concerns and provide clear routes to support can make it easier for men to seek help before difficulties escalate.
When symptoms persist, seek professional support rather than waiting for the problem to resolve itself. If you feel at risk of harming yourself then contact emergency services immediately. There is always someone who can help.
- Know what is normal for your body
Ignoring changes to your body can delay diagnosis and treatment. Men should feel comfortable discussing physical symptoms, including those that may seem embarrassing. Checking your testicles regularly can help you recognise what is normal for you. Look out for a new lump, swelling, a change in size or shape, a feeling of heaviness, or persistent discomfort. If you notice an unusual change, contact your GP. Although many testicular symptoms have causes other than cancer, they should be assessed.
Prostate health also deserves attention, particularly as men get older. Symptoms such as difficulty urinating, needing to urinate more frequently, blood in the urine or persistent urinary changes warrant medical advice. These symptoms can have several causes and do not automatically mean cancer.
There is no single routine prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test programme for all men in the UK. Men can discuss their individual risk and the potential benefits and limitations of testing with their GP. This conversation is particularly important for men with a family history of prostate cancer and men of Black African or Black Caribbean heritage, who have a higher risk of developing the disease.
- Do not neglect sleep
Sleep affects our concentration, mood and ability to do our jobs. Too little sleep and the risk of safety critical tasks is multiplied. For men working nights or rotating shifts, maintaining a consistent sleep schedule isn’t always realistic. Making your bedroom dark and quiet, limiting caffeine to earlier in the day and allowing enough time to rest between shifts can help. Employers should also consider fatigue when planning working hours and managing safety critical tasks.
Persistent difficulty sleeping, loud snoring accompanied by gasping, or excessive daytime tiredness are cause for concern and warrant the support of a GP who can investigate the likelihood of a sleep disorders and recommend appropriate treatment.
- Keep up with health checks
It is easy to postpone a medical appointment when symptoms appear manageable or work commitments take priority. However, seeking advice early can help identify health problems and establish whether further investigation is needed. Men should arrange an appointment with their GP if they notice persistent or unexplained symptoms, changes in their usual health, or concerns about their personal risk factors.
Routine health surveillance and occupational health assessments can help spot the early signs of illness or injury. This is particularly important where exposure to hazards or safety requirements make them necessary. These assessments serve a specific purpose and do not replace general healthcare. Employees should not assume that passing a workplace medical means every aspect of their health is okay.
Making Movember count
Movember is more than a fundraising campaign or an opportunity to grow a moustache. It is a reminder that men’s health deserves attention in everyday life, at home and at work. That might mean booking an appointment, making time for exercise or talking honestly with someone about how life is going. If you need help in supporting the health of your workforce, we can help. Contact us today at info@mohs.co.uk or call us on 01216014041 to find out more.