Men's mental and physical health highlighted this Movember

Every November, Movember returns to keep the conversation about men's mental and physical health alive and to remind all men of the importance of early detection and increased awareness of good health and wellbeing.

Movember, the charity that draws attention to the physical and mental health of men suggests five things to know and do:

Spending time with people who make you feel good

The Staff Social

A collaboration between HR's Welcome Service and the nine University colleges. Its aim is to bring together colleagues from across the University of York to socialise, share interests and build new friendships. Future events are listed on: https://staffsocial.york.ac.uk.

York Men's Shed

A local community organisation set up to provide a place where men can gather to work on projects or socialize with fellow members: http://www.yorkmensshed.co.uk/community/york-men-s-shed-13105/about-us

Talk more

The University Mental Health First Aid Network

A confidential local support network for those experiencing emotional or psychological distress: https://www.york.ac.uk/admin/hr/browse/health-and-well-being/mental-health-first-aid

Menfulness

An inclusive social community for men in York. Its goal is to bring men together to socialise, exercise, enjoy themselves, talk and let off steam in a non judging, friendly and supportive environment. These are all essential for wellbeing and health, both physical and mental. Visit the website for the next walk and talk event or social circuits: https://www.meetup.com/menfulness/

Know the numbers

The risk of developing prostate cancer increases with age, but that doesn't mean it's a disease that only affects old men. Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men worldwide. Men who are black and men who have a family history of prostate cancer (a brother or father with prostate cancer), are 2.5x more likely to get prostate cancer.

Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) is a simple finger blood test that is used to determine the measurement of Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) concentration in the blood, it is the primary method of testing for prostate cancer.

On 5 November this screening service will be available on campus. It's for men aged 45+, or younger men with significant family medical history. It costs £25 with results available immediately. Please contact jacquimss@aol.com or telephone 01525 862 465 to book a place.

Find out more about the PSA test:

Know thy nuts

In the United Kingdom, testicular cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in young men. Men with undescended testes at birth, or who have a family history, like a father or brother who has had testicular cancer, are at an increased risk. And if you've had testicular cancer before, there's also a heightened risk it could return.

For further information visit - https://uk.movember.com/mens-health/testicular-cancer

Move more

York Sports village will be launching its 12 days for £12 from 16 November. Further details about this will be advertised on York Sports website at https://www.york-sport.com/.

Both the sports village and centre offer pay as you go classes throughout the day and have a number of 30 minute classes over lunch time.

What's next

We are keen to build on the awareness of key areas of men's health highlighted by Movember and are creating a programme that throughout the year provides regular events, activities and opportunities for men to understand, discuss and improve their physical and mental health. We will be holding an event on 27 November to explore what this programme might look like and seek input from colleagues to shape the future of this.

Book your place now