Page 18 - OASC June 2021 Newsletter

OST MYedge
Ostomy Association Simcoe County
the
June is Canadian Men’s Health Month
Move for Your Mental Health is the theme of Canadian Men’s Health Month this year. Getting active is a healthy outlet for stress and anxiety, especially in these challenging times.
Why focus on men’s health this month? Because unfortunately too many of these stereotypes are true:
1. Men on average make poorer lifestyle choices than do women. Statistically, they drink more, smoke more, and make less healthy food choices than do women (we’re talking fruit and veggies!).
2. Men resist seeking healthcare. Many dismiss, deny or neglect their own health concerns and avoid consulting doctors until their issues become critical.
3. Men have a shorter life expectancy than women. Given these health behaviours, it’s no surprise that men’s lifespans are on average 5 years less than for women.
4. Mental health remains a highly stigmatized issue for men. The strong, silent hero is an entrenched icon that
admits no sign of weakness, including acknowledging physical and mental health issues, from cancer and heart disease to depression.
Move for Your Mental Health is all about getting more active and informed. Through this initiative, you can participate in virtual events and fitness classes at no cost to learn something new about mental health, set a goal for yourself, or inspire others to move while raising funds supporting men’s mental health.
History
Men’s Health Week was first hosted in 1992 by the Men’s Health Network in the US. In 1994, it became a national observance there and in 2002 expanded to six other countries, including Canada. Since then, it has grown to Men’s Health Month.
Its purpose is to:
•raiseawarenessofpreventablehealthproblems •encourageearlydetectionandtreatmentofdiseases •fosterhealthylivingchoices,suchasexercisingandeatinghealthy.n
learn more at:
https://menshealthfoundation.ca/canadian-mens-health-month/ https://www.lumahealth.io/blog/four-things-to-know-about-mens-health-month/ http://www.menshealthmonth.org/
http://www.facebook.com/Simcoe.County.Ostomy.Assoc e mail: ostomy.asc@gmail.com Phone: 1 855 678 6272
[18]