:: Movember: Male Health Issues Awareness

Every day, millions of men are afflicted by a variety of uniquely male health issues, ranging from prostate cancer to erectile dysfunction. And every November, the national Movember campaign encourages men to grow out their mustaches to spark conversations and raise awareness about men's health issues - many of which are preventable or treatable with the appropriate level of awareness and action. These conversations, sparked by something as simple as a few whiskers, have already been credited with saving lives. To date, this campaign has raised close to $600 million worldwide.

An annual event involving the growing of mustaches during the month of November to raise awareness of men's health issues, such as prostate cancer and other male cancers, and associated charities.

This awareness month is especially important because men in particular are inclined to take on the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" mentality when it comes to their health.

Medical professionals have opined as to why men don't just avoid routine checkups, but also the doctor even when very ill. With all the recent advancements in medicine, there has never been a more opportune time for men to take charge of their health and learn how to prevent common, but potentially deadly, diseases.

For instance, prostate cancer is the second most common cancer among men in the United States, and the second leading cause of cancer death, behind lung cancer. But, like many diseases, if caught early, prostate cancer has a high likelihood of being effectively treated and cured. Although it is most common in those over the age of 65, men age 40 and older should get annual tests and stay aware of their numbers in order to help detect prostate cancer in its earliest stages.

Knowing wellness numbers, such as your Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) number, can help save your life by providing early signs of illness you might not have otherwise noticed.

"Men have this horrible tendency to avoid the doctor, and it's killing them. They need to man up and take charge of their health," said Dr. Juan Reyna, president of LUGPA. "One of the most effective ways to encourage men to man up and go to the doctor is to educate them. Movember and other health awareness campaigns are doing this in innovative and fun ways - encouraging prevention and early detection by urging all men to grow out their mustaches to raise awareness. As a urologist who has treated hundreds of men, I urge you to get to the doctor this November and have a frank conversation about your health."

For a healthy lifestyle, challenge yourself this Movember with the following four lifestyle changes:

• Fitness First: Make time on your busy schedule by participating in physical activity for as little as one to two hours a week. This can significantly minimize many health issues such as heart disease, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Stay active and increase your chances of living a long and healthy life!
• Healthy Eating: With the holidays approaching, eating well may seem like a daunting task. Portion control, cutting out foods high in salt and fat and an increase in fruits and vegetables will help to control high levels of LDL cholesterol, high blood pressure and triglycerides.
• Take It Easy: For some people, stress is a motivator. However, an excess of stress can be dangerous and can lead to anxiety and weaken your overall health. Take some time for yourself this Movember and do something active and fun!
• Know your numbers: Schedule an appointment with your doctor to learn your numbers, such as your cholesterol number, Body Mass Index (BMI), blood glucose, blood pressure, PSA number and testosterone levels. Knowing these numbers will allow you to communicate with your doctor regarding the need to prevent common conditions, such as prostate cancer.

Join the movement this Movember!

Talk to your doctor about your PSA number and challenge your friends to do the same!