Happy Movember!

What is Movember you ask? A little over a decade ago a movement started called “No shave November” to encourage people to grow out their facial hair (the more awkward the better) to bring awareness to men's health issues. This year, the focus of the Movember movement is bringing awareness to mental health as well as prostate and testicular cancer screening.

According to us.movember.com, globally, 1 man dies every minute of every day from suicide. Depression, anxiety and other mental health conditions do not discriminate. They are issues that can affect any person. Now more than ever, there is evidence that the pandemic has negatively impacted almost everyone’s mental health in this country and across the world. There are many resources available locally and nationally to find the help that you need including: The Idaho Suicide Prevention Hotline (208) 398-4357, the Southeast Idaho Behavioral Crisis Center seibcc.com, and The You Are Not Alone Network.

In the pelvic health realm, Movember focuses on prostate and testicular cancer, the 2 leading types of cancers that affect men. Testicular cancer is the most common cancer found in young men, most commonly affecting those between 15 and 50 years of age. The easiest and best prevention is to “check your nuts” at least monthly. This can be done easily and quickly in the shower to check for lumps, bumps, pain or swelling that can indicate something is not right. 

Prostate cancer is much more common in men over 60 years of age, although can affect younger men, particularly if they have a family history of prostate, ovarian, breast, colon and pancreatic cancers in immediate family members. Prostate cancer screening typically begins at age 50, unless you have this family history and includes annual assessment of Prostate specific antigen (PSA) which is collected through a blood sample and a prostate exam by your doctor. Prostate cancer, if caught early, has a high rate of survivorship which is good news!

Check out https://us.movember.com for more information on men’s health topics including mental wellness, pelvic health checks and other topics or to join in the Movember challenge or donate to their cause.​

About the Author

Kristen Topliff, DPT is Pocatello's leading physical therapists specializing in Men's and Women's pelvic health. She is able to determine if your pelvic floor muscles aren't working optimally due to weakness, coordination or tightness. She offers a non-invasive free ultrasound screen and consultation for you to determine the next best step to take for your pelvic health.