Every year for the month of November the Movember organization runs a world-wide awareness and fund raising event for prostate cancer and other cancers which affect men. It may or may not surprise you, how many do not know that there are treatments for prostate cancer when detected early. This is why it is sooo important for ALL MEN to have a yearly check-up.
Some UK statistics Movember collected ….
- Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men in the UK. Over 40,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer ever year and there are 250,000 men currently living with the disease
- 1 in 9 men in the UK are likely to face prostate cancer in their lifetime. This is comparable to the 1 in 9 women that are estimated to get breast cancer
- 2,209 men in the UK were diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2009
- 47% of testicular cancer cases occur in men under 35 years and over 90% occur in men under 55 years
- 1 in 4 British adults experience at least one diagnosable mental health problem in any one year
A bit shocking isn’t it! But it’s not all bad, some top advice from Movember to staying healthy …. (and not just for the lads – we could all follow this advice 
)
KNOW YOUR BODY
Look after yourself, know what symptoms to look out for and know your risks. If something seems out of the norm, alert your doctor to it.
KNOW YOUR FAMILY HISTORY
Family history is one of the most powerful tools to understanding your health. Family history affects your level of risk of 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 a direct relative has experienced.
DON’T SMOKE
If you do smoke, stop! Smoking causes more than 8 in 10 occurrences of lung cancers in the UK. Studies show that smokers in their 30s and 40s are 5 times more likely to have a heart attack than non-smokers.
BE PHYSICALLY ACTIVE
If you are not already physically active, start small and work up to a minimum of 30 minutes of moderate physical activity most days of the week. Stay on the move throughout the day; long periods of sitting increase your risk of disease. Every little bit counts – take the stairs instead of the lift or take a walk during your lunch break.
EAT A HEALTHY DIET
Fill up with fruits, vegetables and whole grains, and choose healthy proteins like lean meats, poultry, fish, beans and nuts. Eat foods low in saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, salt and added sugars. Moderation is key, as is eating a wide range of food to ensure you get a variety of nutrients. The best source of vitamins is from food.
STAY AT A HEALTHY WEIGHT
Balance calories from foods and beverages with calories you burn off from physical activity. Obesity and being overweight pose a major risk for chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, stroke, and certain cancers.
DRINK ALCOHOL ONLY IN MODERATION
Alcohol can be part of a healthy, balanced diet, but only if consumed in moderation. The UK government advises that men should not drink more than 3-4 units of alcohol each day, the equivalent to a pint and a half of 4% beer.
MANAGE YOUR STRESS
Stress, particularly long-term stress, can be a factor in the onset or worsening of poor health. Managing your stress is essential to your health and well-being. Take time out of each day and go for a walk or do something you find relaxing.
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 is key.
- Have you had your Yearly Check-up?
- No! ~ here’s your reminder – TO GET IT DONE!
Please pass this on and do pop over and check out my MoSista page, Movember works and grows with your help.
Take Care
Julie
