Show us your Mo
During November each year, Movember is responsible for the sprouting of moustaches on thousands of men’s faces in Australia and around the world. The aim of which is to raise vital funds and awareness for men’s health, specifically prostate cancer and male mental health.The truth is, men are often known to be more indifferent towards their health when compared to women. As a result, the levels of awareness, understanding and funding for men’s health issues, like prostate cancer and men’s mental health, lag significantly behind other causes.
Simple measures such as maintaining a healthy lifestyle, a good diet and getting regular medical check-ups can dramatically influence your health. Keep your (or your man’s) health in check by following the following:
HAVE AN ANNUAL PHYSICAL
Getting annual check-ups, preventative screening, skin tests and immunisations are among the most important things you can do to stay healthy. Yes an annual check-up does include a dental visit!
KNOW YOUR FAMILY HEALTH HISTORY
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 have occurred. Be sure to learn about relatives that are deceased as well.
DON’T SMOKE!
If you do smoke, stop! It is estimated that active smoking is responsible for 88% of all lung cancer deaths in Australian men aged over 35.
BE PHYSICALLY ACTIVE
If you need to start small and work up to a minimum of 30 minutes of moderate physical activity most days of the week. Stay on the move; long periods of sitting increases your risk for disease. Every little bit counts—take the stairs instead of the elevator or take a walk during your lunch break.
SLEEP WELL
The quality of your sleep can dictate how much you eat, how fast your metabolism runs, how fat or thin you are, how well you can fight off infections, and how well you can cope with stress. Keep a regular pattern of sleep, going to bed and waking up at roughly the same time.
EAT A HEALTHY DIET
Fill up with fruits, vegetables, whole grains and choose healthy proteins like lean meats, poultry, fish, beans and nuts. Eat foods low in saturated fats, cholesterol, salt and sugars. Moderation is key, as is eating a wide range of foods to ensure you get a variety of nutrients.
STAY AT A HEALTHY WEIGHT
More than half of the Australian population are either overweight or obese. Obesity and being overweight pose a major risk for chronic diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, stroke and cancers. Balance calories from foods and beverages with calories you burn off by physical activities.
MANAGE YOUR STRESS
Stress, particularly long-term stress, can be the factor in the onset or worsening of ill health. Managing your stress is essential to your health & well-being. Take ‘time out’ each day and go for a walk or do something you find relaxing.
DRINK ALCOHOL ONLY IN MODERATION
Alcohol can be part of a healthy balanced diet, but only if consumed in moderation. This means no more than two drinks a day.
KNOW WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR
Find out what tests should be done regularly by your GP. Click here to visit the Movember site for a check list for each decade of your life.
