Movember

Why men's health?

The average life expectancy for men in the United States is almost 5 years less than women, and 12.1% of men 18 years and over are in fair or poor health. The reasons for this are complex and include: 

• Lack of awareness and understanding of the health issues men face
• Men not openly discussing their health and how they’re feeling
• Reluctance to take action when men don’t feel physically or mentally well
• Men engaging in risky activities that threaten their health  
• Stigmas surrounding mental health
• Men are 24% less likely than women to have visited a doctor within the past year

Source: Movember©

How can you get involved?

According to the Movember team, here are the top 5 things to know and do:

1. Spend time with people who make you feel good. Stay connected. Catch up regularly, check-in, and make time.
2. Talk more. You don't need to be an expert and you don't have to be the sole solution, but being there for someone, listening, and giving your time can be life-saving.
3. Know the numbers. At 50, talk to your doctor about prostate cancer and what screenings are right for you. Some people may need to have this conversation sooner. Know your numbers, know your risk, and talk to your doctor.
4. Know thy nuts. Simple. Get to know what's normal for your testicles, check them regularly, and go to the doctor if something doesn't feel right.
5. Move more. Add more activity to your day. Do more of what makes you feel good. Take a walking meeting, Park further away. Take the stairs. Try a WellCats class.

Join ERS for engaging conversations in their Men's Health Masterclass! This 3-part series will dive deep into issues that impact men's health. If you are a man or you care about a man, join to learn strategies to support good health for men. 

November 7  | 10 – 11 a.m. | Preventive Health 101 with Keith Thibodeaux
Men can be safer, stronger and healthier at work, home and play when they make healthy choices daily and get care when they need it. Improving men's health is not limited to the doctor's office or hospital. It starts at home with individuals and families taking steps to live safer and healthier lives.

November 14  | 10 – 11 a.m. | Mental Health, Stress & Accidental Injury with Dr. Suter & Dr. Varghese
Join for a discussion on men's health, focusing on mental well-being, managing stress, and reducing the risk of accidental injury. Expert speakers will share practical insights to help men lead healthier, safer lives.

November 21  | 10 – 11 a.m. | Heart Healthy Men with Dr. Lesko
In this session, Dr. Alex Lesko will discuss key heart health numbers every man should know, such as blood pressure, cholesterol, and heart rate. He will also highlight valuable resources and programs available to help men manage and improve their cardiovascular health. Join for practical tips to protect your heart and stay informed about your health.

TrueNTH 
TrueNTH (True North) is a global initiative, led by the Movember Foundation, seeking to significantly improve the lives and experiences of men with prostate cancer, as well as the experience of their partners, carers, and family members by tackling critical areas of prostate cancer care.

Prevention Institute - Making Connections Backpack
The Making Connections Backpack is a resource library for those engaged in building a gendered and community-level approach to improving mental well-being among men and boys. The Backpack offers tools to shape your journey and connect with others engaged in or supporting similar upstream prevention work.