'Movember' puts the focus on men's health

No-Shave November, also called "Movember," is an annual event that involves growing out a moustache for the month of November to raise awareness of and support men's health issues. The goal? Raise awareness and support of those facing prostate cancer, testicular cancer and mental health issues.

The concept behind the month is to go shave-free for the entire month of November. (Women can participate, too, in solidarity!) Then, at the end of the month, participants donate the money they would have spent on shaving toward organizations that educate about cancer and suicide prevention.

Whether you grow whiskers or not, there are important reminders to keep in mind this month:

Men's Physical Health

Taking preventive health steps can save your life.

Northbay Health internal medicine physician Ankit Dubey, M.D. says it's important for men not to skip regular checkups and screenings.

"Men need to take care of themselves so they can care for the many loved ones who depend on them," said Dr. Dubey. "Screening tests are an important part of that, because they can detect disease early when it's easier to treat and to heal."

Consider these recommended checkups:

• Get an annual exam by a primary care provider, including blood pressure and a height/weight check.
• Annually screen for testicular cancer, including monthly self-exams.
• The American Cancer Society recommends men aged 50 start prostate cancer screenings. However, African American men and men with a family history of prostate cancer should start screening at age 45.
• Get cholesterol testing every five years.
• Screen for diabetes, thyroid disease, liver problems and anemia.

Men's Mental Health

Surveys from around the world show that men everywhere find it difficult to open up about mental health. According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, in 2019, men died by suicide at a rate of 3.63 times higher than women.

With more than 6 million American men struggling with depression, it is crucial to know the signs of mental health struggles and end the stigma that stops men from getting help.

For health checkups and screening, connect with your doctor through our patient portal or reach out to Northbay Health Primary Care by calling 707-646-5500. If you or a loved one are struggling with feelings of depression or with suicidal thoughts or intent, contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline which is available 24 hours a day by calling or texting 988 from anywhere in the country.