Well done to everyone taming a tache this Movember!! Please send in a picture of your mo to hello@winchesterwellness.co.uk and we will pick our favourite. The winner will be contacted on 1stDecember and receive a FREE 30 minute sports massage to be taken in December.
Raising Awareness
Here’s a little of the serious stuff that Movember is all about…
Prostate Cancer:
- The prostate gland is located under the bladder & next to the urethra. Thus, it can change a man’s urination habits.
- Some signs to look out for are: hesitation or stop/start flow of urine, pain or burning passing urine, increased need to urinate (particularly at night) or the presence of blood.
- Other symptoms, such as lower back pain or stiffness & altered sexual function, are also suggestive of prostate cancer.
- It is more common later in life so it’s important for men to have regular check ups with their GP from 45/50 years of age.
Testicular Cancer:
- Most common cancer in young UK men, mostly between 15-49 years of age.
- Be aware of what is normal for you & any changes in the testicles should be checked out by a GP.
- Once a month (choose a date that’s easy to remember like the 1st) take a warm shower & look out for lumps, swelling, pain, increased firmness or anything out of the ordinary for you.
- The following resources have further information of what to look out for & how: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/testicular-cancer/symptoms,https://uk.movember.com/mens-health/testicular-cancer, https://testicular.movemberhealth.org,https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/mens-health/what-should-my-testicles-look-and-feel-like/.
Mental health:
- Every minute across the world, a man commits suicide.
- One of Movember’s quotes is: “talking saves lives”. So make sure to check in with your mates, really listen to them & most importantly, talk to someone if you aren’t feeling quite right.
- If you are feeling unsafe or a life is in danger, call 999 immediately.
- If you’re unsure who to talk to, there are wonderful charities out there: Samaritans (116123), Mind (https://www.mind.org.uk), CALM (https://www.thecalmzone.net) and the National Suicide Prevention Alliance offers a directory of support services local to you (https://www.nspa.org.uk/directories).
- Lots of research studies now show significant links between increased physical activity & better mood. Whether you try 5-a-side football, find a gym buddy or go for a walk with your dog/partner/child/mate/favourite music…go enjoy the endorphin rush!
- Other research also links diet to mood (see 1 such example in our previous blog on the SMILES trial). One vitamin we’re all likely to be deficient in through the English winter is Vitamin D. This can be easily tested by your GP, or find a registered nutritionist to get a more thorough examination of your vitamin and mineral levels.
