Men’s Health Month
This November we observe Men’s Health Month and on the 19th, we also celebrate International Men’s Day. Here are a few of my thoughts and reflections that I’d like to share with you. Being an ambassador for Respond Healthcare and a member of the #BeTheChange campaign, some of the issues we tackle and will continue to tackle moving forward, remind us just how important our health and self-awareness is.
Supporting Movember
For the last couple of years, a few work colleagues and I have supported the Movember charity by growing our moustaches and beards, raising money and, just as importantly, awareness for men’s health issues. The Movember Foundation highlights mental health, suicide prevention, prostate cancer and testicular cancer. Early detection for these cancers is so important and with particular reference to prostate cancer, a simple test could save your life. When I had my proctocolectomy in 2012, I had my anus removed and my tail end sewn up. Not having much knowledge about my prostate, I assumed that I no longer had one. Once I’d signed up to my first Movember challenge, I was curious so I ‘googled’ it – only to find that I did still have an intact prostate gland. I decided that as I was at a “certain age”, it would be responsible to have it checked. As the DRE (digital rectal examination) wasn’t physically possible, I was given a simple blood test. This is known as the PSA test, the prostate-specific antigen test, is now the preferred method of testing for any abnormalities. I am pleased to say that my results were fine, however I became aware that the recommended age to have your prostate checked is 55 and if there’s a family history you should be getting a check before that.
Positive role models
International Men’s Day (19th November 2022) is the opportunity to celebrate the positive value men bring to the world. It’s a reminder that we men have a duty to teach the boys in our lives the values, character and responsibilities connected with being a man. It’s also a chance to thank the men who have been positive role models in our lives and for me the biggest one was my late father. He taught me so much about what being a nice human being was; treating others with respect, helping other people feel good about themselves and not being judgmental. He raised me as a caring and confident person and I am so grateful to him as I have been lucky to be able to pass these values on to my own children.
What IBD and an ostomy has taught me
Having IBD and then an ostomy has certainly thrown up a lot of unexpected health issues for me in my life. I think this has taught me that being self-aware and not ignoring changes in our bodies is vital. Getting things checked out will not only mean early detection if there is anything sinister happening, but also ensure prompt and effective treatment. It also sends out the message to fellow men that it is not embarrassing to check ourselves regularly, infact it is crucial.
If nothing else we, as men, should be having these sorts of conversations on a regular basis. In conclusion, I ask all of you men out there to speak up – after all these conversations could well save our lives.