Movember are a leading charity, changing the face of men’s health since 2003. Since then, they have funded more than 1,250 men’s health projects around the world and have vastly increased the awareness surrounding mental health and suicide prevention, prostate cancer and testicular cancer.

We’re passionate about health and wellbeing and will nearly half of our onsite health assessment sessions being conducted on males, we wanted to share some really important information, tips and advice around all aspects of men’s health. In this comprehensive article, we will delve deep into everything you need to know about men’s health, covering a wide range of topics. These include but are not limited to, the shorter life expectancy experienced by men compared to women and the common issue of balanitis infections that affect many individuals.

One in 25 men suffers from Balanitis

Balanitis in men refers to an infection that affects the head of the penis and the foreskin. Poor hygiene, certain medical conditions like diabetes, and irritation from harsh chemicals or medications are just a few of the causes. The symptoms may include redness, swelling, itching, and pain in the affected area.

While balanitis is not a serious condition in most cases, it can still cause discomfort and affect daily activities. In severe cases, it may even lead to complications such as scarring or narrowing of the urethra. Therefore, men need to understand this common issue and know how to prevent and treat it effectively.

One of the most effective ways to prevent balanitis is by maintaining good hygiene practices. This includes washing the penis regularly with warm water and mild soap, especially after sexual activity or using the restroom. It is also important to dry the area thoroughly, as moisture can promote the growth of bacteria and fungi.

In addition to good hygiene, men should also avoid using harsh chemicals or fragrances on their genital area. These products can irritate the delicate skin and disrupt its natural balance, making it more susceptible to infections. This also applies to certain medications, such as antibiotics or steroids, which can weaken the immune system and increase the risk of balanitis. Many men therefore prefer a natural over-the-counter ointment such as Aidance balanitis cream due to its gentle but efficient ingredients. For more serious balanitis problems and for men who are uncircumcised, proper care of the foreskin is crucial, and it’s recommended to use a cleansing bar containing terrasil for daily washing in addition to the cream.

Men have a shorter life expectancy than women

In the UK, men die on average 3.5 years earlier than women and globally it’s an average of 6 years. However, the reasons for this are largely preventable and therefore, we should all be taking action to ensure that we live happier, healthier and longer lives.

There are a few simple ways in which all men can be doing this:

Spend time with people who make you feel good

This could be friends, family, colleagues – anyone who has a positive impact on your life. It’s important to allow yourself the time to see your mates and catch up regularly.

Talk more

A 2016 survey by YouGov, commissioned by the Mental Health Foundation found that men who have had a mental health problem are not only less likely than women to have sought help, but they were also less likely to open up to friends and family when a problem develops.

The same study shows that 33% of women who disclosed a mental health problem to a friend or loved one did so within a month, compared to just 25% of men.

Shockingly, 35% of men waited more than 2 years, or have never disclosed a mental health problem to a friend or family member compared to a quarter of women (25%).

It’s important to remember that if a friend, relative, or anyone for that matter, is opening up to you about their mental health, you don’t need to be an expert and you don’t have to be their solution. Just being there for someone and giving your time to listen can be lifesaving.

Reach out and speak out!

If something doesn’t seem right, get checked!

Movember advise that when you reach 50, you should talk to your doctor about prostate cancer and whether it’s right for you to have a PSA test. They also advise that if you are black or have a father or brother with prostate cancer, you should be speaking with your doctor when you reach 45 years of age.

At Healthy Performance we include PSA tests for those who are 40 age or older, within our 60 minute onsite employee health assessments.

Similarly, you should also be aware of the signs and symptoms of testicular cancer. Testicular cancer most commonly affects men aged 20-40. Visit the Movember website for your free guide on how to check your testes.

Free resources from Healthy Performance

Over on our Pascal Take5 page, we have a number of free resources available to educate you and your employees on men’s general health, prostate cancer and testicular cancer amongst several other topics.