Sandee Sez: November is a good time for men to check out 'down there'
- Sandra Ahenakew | November 12, 2013
October we remember women; breast cancer and missing and murdered Aboriginal women. Movember (the month formerly known as November) is about men. Movember is a moustache growing charity event held during November each year that raises funds and awareness for prostate cancer and mens mental health. All across the world men will be growing facial hair to raise awareness for prostate cancer and male mental health.
I'm not sure what the connection is to facial hair and "down there" but I figure what ever gets our men thinking about their prostate is a good thing.
Prostate cancer is cancer that starts in the prostate gland. The prostate is a small (sorry to use the word "small") walnut-sized structure that makes up part of a man's reproductive system. It wraps around the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body. Prostate cancer is the most common cause of death from cancer in men over age 75. If there is any good news its that prostate cancer is rarely found in men younger than 40.
You are a higher risk for prostate cancer if you're older than 60; have a father or brother with prostate cancer; have been around Agent Orange; use too much alcohol; farmers; eat a diet high in fat, especially animal fat; tire plant workers and painters. There are definitely a few risk factors there that Aboriginal men should pay attention to.
Symptoms of prostate cancer include: delayed or slowed start of urinary stream; dribbling or leakage of urine, most often after urinating; slow urinary stream; straining when urinating or not being able to empty out all of the urine; blood in the urine or semen; bone pain or tenderness, most often in the lower back and pelvis bone. These symptoms do not always mean you have prostate cancer but definitely see your doctor if you have one or more of these symptoms. Something to keep in mind is that it is a common problem is almost all men as they grow older do have an enlarged prostate. Don't panic.
Movember wants men to take responsibility for their health, prevent illness by leading a healthy lifestyle and understand the symptoms and signs in both themselves and others so they can appreciate when and how to seek help if needed. So fellas? Grow your mustache and tell your friends to do the same. I know that not too many First Nations men can even grow a mustache at least not a full mustache; Métis men on the other hand
now those fellas can grow a mustache.
Since its humble beginnings in Melbourne Australia, Movember has grown to become a truly global movement. No matter the country, city or First Nation, Movember will continue to work to change established habits and attitudes men have about their health, to educate men about the health risks they face, and to act on that knowledge, and hopefully increasing the chances of early detection, diagnosis and effective treatment.
Awareness and education changes behaviour and how we think about things; it gradually breaks down barriers, removes stigmas and brings about real change. It took years to have the breast cancer movement where it is today. People around the world recognize pink ribbons as breast cancer awareness ribbons. Soon the November mustache will gain the same recognition.
Take care of your "business," fellas! A quick check up with your doctor can save your life don't die of embarrassment because youre too shy to have your prostate checked. Ladies, here is something to watch for and think about; the risk of suicide in men with prostate cancer is over 4 times that of a similarly aged man. If your man has prostate cancer make sure you pay attention to the signs of depression.
Lest we forget. On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, commemorating a moment 93 years ago when troops laid down their arms to end World War 1, we join all Canadians in paying tribute to the courage of those who served and those who serve today.
It is estimated that between 7,000 and 12,000 First Nation peoples fought in the Korean War and in World Wars l and ll. Today First Nations participation in the armed forces continues with First Nations making up about 1.4% or almost 1300 of the members. Shake the veterans hands when you see them. Until next time be good to one another.
Keep your emails and letters and letters coming. You can write to me at Sandee Sez C/O Eagle Feather News PO Box 924 St Main, Saskatoon SK, S7K 3M4 or email sandra.ahenakew@gmail.com