Raising Awareness for Men's Health - Henry J. Austin Health Center

November marks the beginning of “Movember,” an annual campaign focused on men’s health awareness. This campaign covers issues such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health, and suicide prevention. Men can show their support by growing mustaches and encouraging open conversations about health and regular check-ups.

Movember is more than just a challenge to grow mustaches for a month; it’s a global initiative that started in Australia in 2003 and has reached millions of men worldwide. The iconic mustache is a symbol of unity and serves as a conversation starter about men’s health.

Men often ignore their health, which can lead to undiagnosed or untreated conditions. During Movember, the goal is to break the silence surrounding men’s health and bring attention to important issues. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men, and regular screenings can lead to better outcomes. Testicular cancer, while less common, mainly affects young men, making self-exams and awareness crucial. Men’s mental health is another important topic that often remains unspoken. It’s essential to promote open dialogue and provide support for those facing mental health challenges. Sadly, suicide rates among men are high, emphasizing the need to reach out and offer assistance to those who may be struggling.

Participating in the Movember movement is a simple yet impactful way to make a difference in men’s health, and you don’t need to grow a mustache to take part. Here’s how you can get involved: prioritize your health by scheduling a health screening or checkup with your healthcare provider, engage in discussions about men’s health with friends, family, and colleagues, support mental health treatment, and consider growing a mustache to start conversations about men’s health. Share your journey using the hashtags #Movember and #MensHealth and tag @hjahc to show your support.

If you or someone you know needs a health screening or is interested in specific health services, you can visit henryjaustin.org/services or call 609-278-5900 for assistance.