Men’s health is in crisis. Men are dying on average 4.5 years earlier than women, and for largely preventable reasons.
A growing number of men – around 10.8M globally – are facing life with a prostate cancer diagnosis. Globally, testicular cancer is the most common cancer among young men. And across the world, one man dies by suicide every minute of every day, with males accounting for 69% of all suicides.
Movember is uniquely placed to address this crisis on a global scale. Growing a Mo is a symbol for better men’s health. It also grabs attention and starts important conversations. So give it a go – it shows the world you stand for healthier men and a healthier world.
How can you take action? Here are Movember’s top 5 things to know and do:
- Spend time with people that make you feel good. Stay connected. Your mates are important and spending time with them is good for you. Catch up regularly, check in and make time.
- Talk more. You don’t need to be an expert and you don’t have to be the sole solution, but being there for someone, listening and giving your time can be life-saving
- Know the numbers. At 50, talk to your GP about prostrate cancer and whether it is right for you to have a PSA(Prostrate Specific Antigen) test. If you are of African or Caribbean descent or have a father or brother with prostrate cancer, you should be having this conversation at 45. Know your numbers, know your risk, talk to your doctor.
- Know your nuts. Simple. Get to know what is normal for your testicles. Give them a check regularly and go to the doctor if something doesn’t feel right.
- Move more. Add more activity to your day. Do more of what makes you feel good. Take a walking meeting. Take the stairs. Get off the bus earlier. Park further away.
There are many support groups around Lincolnshire who can offer help and advice, or just a friendly ear. We have listed a few below for you to check out:
Men's Mental Health | Lincolnshire (connecttosupport.org)
Men’s groups – Shine (shinelincolnshire.com)
Andy's Man Club | #ITSOKAYTOTALK | Andy's Man Club (andysmanclub.co.uk)
Men in Sheds | Services | Age UK
While reflexology cannot cure cancer or any other medical condition, it may provide some benefits to cancer patients. However, it's important to note that reflexology should be used as a supportive therapy alongside conventional medical treatment, and you should consult with your healthcare team before starting any complementary therapy.
Here are some ways in which reflexology may help cancer patients:
- Relaxation and stress reduction: Reflexology sessions can promote deep relaxation and help reduce stress and anxiety, which are common emotional challenges faced by cancer patients. It may induce a state of calm and improve overall well-being.
- Pain management: Reflexology may help alleviate pain and discomfort associated with cancer and its treatments. By stimulating certain reflex points, it may trigger the release of endorphins, which are natural pain-relieving substances produced by the body.
- Improved sleep: Cancer and its treatments can disrupt sleep patterns. Reflexology's relaxation benefits may help improve the quality of sleep, allowing patients to rest and recover more effectively.
- Enhanced circulation: Reflexology techniques aim to improve blood and lymphatic circulation. This can have a positive impact on overall health and may support the body's natural healing processes.
- Increased energy levels: Cancer treatments can often lead to fatigue and decreased energy levels. Reflexology may help to restore energy and vitality by promoting a sense of balance and revitalization.
- Emotional support: Cancer can be emotionally challenging. Reflexology sessions provide an opportunity for patients to receive nurturing touch and emotional support from a trained practitioner, which can be comforting and empowering.
Most of the available reflexology research focuses on its general benefits for cancer patients. Reflexology should never be used as a substitute for medical treatment, but it may complement conventional care and contribute to an improved sense of well-being for cancer patients.
Reflexology benefits mental health by stimulating the nervous and lymphatic systems, encouraging a release of the feel-good hormones 'endorphins,' which help to relieve stress, the body's natural coping mechanism.
To make an appointment or find out more, contact us at
info@reflexologylincolnshire.co.uk
