When it comes to maintaining good health, we often forget about the importance of keeping up with regular check-ups and screenings for men’s health. In light of this important issue, Movember has been created for men around the world. During the month of November, men around the world are encouraged to grow mustaches in support of men’s health. As a physical therapist, I can’t stress enough the importance of this campaign in bringing awareness to men’s health. In this blog, we will dive into the importance of Movember and what you can do to support men’s health
Raising Awareness
The main goal of Movember is to raise awareness for men’s health. This includes not only physical health but also mental, emotional, and social well-being. Men often neglect their health and put off important check-ups that could detect serious health issues such as prostate or testicular cancer. The Movember campaign aims to encourage men to take their health seriously by taking small steps towards self-care and seeing their doctors regularly. By participating in Movember, you can help raise awareness and open up the conversation about men’s health.
Mental Health
Mental health is a crucial part of overall well-being. Unfortunately, men are often hesitant to talk about their mental health struggles, such as mental illness, anxiety or dealing with stress. The Movember Foundation aims to promote mental health and reduce the stigma around seeking help for mental health problems. By growing a mustache during Movember, not only can you raise awareness for physical health issues, but you can also show support for mental health and help encourage others to seek help when needed.
Exercise and Physical Activity
Regular exercise and physical activity have numerous benefits for overall health. Unfortunately, many men tend to neglect their exercise routines or not exercise at all. This can lead to an increased risk of heart disease, obesity, and other health issues. During Movember, you can commit to increasing your physical activity and setting goals for yourself, such as cleaning up your diet or building your muscle mass. This can be something as simple as going for a daily walk or committing to a fitness class. Additionally, by sharing your fitness journey on social media, you can encourage others to do the same.
Importance of Nutrition
Nutrition plays a vital role in maintaining good health. However, with busy schedules and the ease of fast food, many men neglect their diets. During Movember, you can take the opportunity to make positive changes to your eating habits. Try incorporating more fruits and vegetables into your diet, reducing your intake of red meats, and increasing your water intake. By making small but important changes to your diet, you can lower your risk of developing chronic illnesses such as heart disease and diabetes.
Supporting a Great Cause
Movember is not only a fun way to raise awareness for men’s health, but it’s also a great way to support a wonderful cause. The money raised during the campaign goes towards funding research and initiatives for men’s health issues such as prostate and testicular cancer. By donating to the Movember Foundation, you can help make a difference in the lives of men and their health. Additionally, by encouraging others to donate and participate, we can work together to make a real impact on men’s health.
In conclusion, Movember is an incredibly important campaign for raising awareness for men’s health issues. By growing a mustache and showing support on social media, you can make a real difference in promoting men’s health and encouraging important self-care practices. Remember that taking care of yourself is crucial to your overall health and well-being. Don’t neglect your mental or physical health and make sure to see your doctor regularly. Let’s work together to make a difference in the lives of men around the world.
Keep Reading…
What is a Physical Therapist Qualified to Treat?
Like most professions, physical therapy continues to evolve as a profession. It is now a 6 year doctorate program. Within that time, we learn to treat people with orthopedic conditions, neurological impairments, cardiac issues, amputations, vestibular issues and more. Physical therapists are trained to work with newborns to geriatrics and everyone in between. After graduation, we have to pass a national test to become licensed to practice. To keep our license active, we have to complete 36 hours of education every 3 years. This is where we can choose courses to better ourselves in our specific setting and learn the most modern techniques! Below is a general (but not inclusive) list of conditions we treat in outpatient physical therapy:
Why Do I feel Like I’m Spinning?
BPPV, or Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo, is a common cause of vertigo, or a false sense of spinning. It is fairly common among adults, with increased incidence as you age. It usually comes on without an apparent reason, however can occur after a head trauma or after spending time in a head tipped back position (such as in a dentist chair). Usually you will first notice symptoms when turning over in bed or when sitting up from bed in the morning.
The spinning sensation occurs due to a mechanical problem in the peripheral vestibular system of the inner ear. This system has calcium crystals called otoconia that sit on a gel-like substance and are sensitive to gravity, as well as three semicircular canals filled with fluid that are oriented in three different planes. In a normal vestibular system, the fluid in the canals moves when your head moves. This displaces hair cells and sends a message to the brain to tell it that your head is moving. Sometimes the otoconia crystals become dislodged into the fluid and give your brain a false signal that your head is moving when it’s not. This results in a spinning sensation, or vertigo.
Why am I having knee pain?
Injuries can happen any time during your training process, it is important to understand the difference between a “good pain” and a “bad pain”. At Onondaga Physical Therapy we offer Free Injury Screens as well as full evaluations to help quickly diagnose your issue, and help you on the road to recovery.
Knee injuries are very common among active individuals and best treated as soon as the pain starts – waiting typically lengthens the rehab time.
- Causes: Poor stability above or below the knee, poor or old footwear, sedentary lifestyle, poor mechanics, too much training of the “same muscles” without cross-training
