Liverpool Community Health (LCH) NHS Trust will be raising awareness of men’s health issues throughout ‘Movember’.
Staff from across the Trust will be encouraged to grow a moustache, not just for the still recent follicular tradition, but to demonstrate their support of the endeavour and make men more aware of their health.
The Public Health Team will also be hosting a series of special men’s health information events to help publicise ‘Movember’
On Thursday 20th November, the team will be offering a series of on-the-spot men’s health MOTs (mini health checks) at the NHS Health Information Centre on Hanover Street. Members of the public can drop in anytime between 4.00 – 7.00pm for free and confidential advice on any health concerns they may have.
In addition, health advisors from the Trust will also be giving away free information and advice on a range of men’s health issues including prostate cancer, testicular cancer, alcohol and mental health issues on Thursday 13th November and Thursday 27th November between 12.00 – 9.00pm at Boots in Liverpool’s Clayton Square.
Paul White, Mental Health Lead for Liverpool Community Health NHS Trust explains:
“The Movember moustache is fast becoming a nationally recognised symbol to help get people talking about common men’s health issues, particularly prostate cancer, testicular cancer and mental health.”
“We know that men often find it difficult to talk about their feelings or health concerns, and are also far less likely to go for a health check-up than their female counterparts, all of which can be hugely detrimental to their long-term health.”
“This is especially true when it comes to cancer, since early diagnosis and treatment massively improves your chances of beating the illness.”
Latest statistics show that the average life expectancy for men is now four years less than for women living in the UK. Men also have a 14% higher risk of developing cancer than women in the UK, and a 37% higher chance of dying from cancer.
Prostate cancer is currently the most commonly diagnosed cancer amongst men in the UK, affecting 1 in 8 men at some point in their lifetime.
The reasons for the poor state of men’s health are numerous and complex, but typically include:
Lack of awareness or understanding around health issues
Men not openly discussing their health concerns
Reluctance to take action when they feel unwell
Men engaging in more risky or unhealthy behaviours than women
Stigma about mental health
Dr. Craig Gradden, Medical Director for Liverpool Community Health NHS Trust adds,
“This Movember we really want to encourage as many men as possible to start to talk about their health, and to find someone that they can talk to about anything that might be on their mind, whether that’s a friend, a partner, a relative, or a health professional.”
“As health professionals we also want to lead by example by taking part in Movember and supporting conversations about men’s health issues in the clinics, health centres and communities where we work and live.”
“We’d also really encourage men to find out about any health problems in their family history, and to visit their GP if they have any concerns at all.”
For more information about Movember, please visit: uk.movember.com