MOVEmber- For Men's Health.

Movember… it’s so much more than growing a terrible moustache or a movement challenge!  

November brings with it the return of “Movember”, which sees us band together to raise funds and awareness. But what are we actually raising awareness and funds for? 

The answer is plain and simple but very important… it is Men's Health!

In ‘Movember’ we highlight the importance of tackling Men's Health for all the males in our life.  In the past, men’s health might have been something that was brushed aside, but not anymore.. we are tackling the issue head on! 

So, let’s look at just a few stats on men’s health:

• Males have a life expectancy of approximately four years less than females

• Seven out of ten Australian men are overweight or obese
• Approximately half will experience a mental illness over their lifetime

Thankfully, initiatives and charities such as Movember are doing great things. Not only are they raising funds about issues such as mental health, testicular and prostate cancer, they are also raising awareness. In times gone by many people did not have much knowledge of these issues, but now times have changed. Men are going out and taking control of their health.  

This is being done in many ways. Some of these include:

• Seeking professional help
• Talking to their mates
• Getting checked  
• Exercise & Diet 

All of these are important, however one that we can all do and is a real bang for your buck is exercise!

Not only does exercise help manage and reduce chronic conditions but can also play a pivotal role in our mental health and cancer treatment! 

There are numerous ways in which exercise can be of benefit for someone with cancer.  Some examples include:

• Minimising the physical decline caused by cancer
• Reducing cancer-related fatigue
• Allowing a greater tolerance to more aggressive treatments

As for mental health,  exercise is beneficial by: 

•  Releasing hormones that make you feel happier
•  Improving mood and relieving stress and sleeping patterns 
• Increasing energy levels

Many of you out there are engaging in some form of physical activity, whether this be playing a team sport, having a hit of golf, going to the gym or riding a bike. However for many males they aren't doing anything and it may have been years since they engaged in exercise, but that's okay because it's never too late to start 

If you are one of the males who don't know what to do and where to get started here are some simple tips: 

• Find a form of physical activity you enjoy - sport, hiking, surfing, golf
• Start small - start with 10 minutes of movement and build up from there 
• Participate with mates to motivate each other and make it fun 
• Set yourself achievable goals so you feel accomplished

Now we understand it's not as easy as that. There are areas you might need some extra help and assistance with. That can be anything from medical history, previous or current injuries or just lack of knowledge and understanding. 

At EP Physio Plus we are fortunate to get to work with the males in our community and help them better themselves and their overall health and well-being. If you require some extra assistance and would like to know what exercises will be best for you, give our friendly admin team a call today on 8682 6665 and book an appointment with our Exercise Physiologists.