BOV supports efforts to raise awareness about Men’s Health Issues

Bank of Valletta has dedicated the month of November to raise awareness about the Movember promotion. This promotion is a world-wide effort aimed at generating awareness about health issues that are particular to the men.

Various initiatives were undertaken throughout the month, starting off with colouring BOV Centre with a tinge of blue, and asking all BOV employees to wear a lapel pin to commemorate this effort. In addition, all staff members were provided with fake moustache and asked to take a team photo. Speaking about the initiative, Charles Azzopardi, Executive PR & Marketing at Bank of Valletta said, “Bank of Valletta has been supporting the Pink October campaign for a number of years now, years during which we have witnessed an increased awareness about breast cancer and its detection. Awareness about male health issues is much weaker by comparison. Considering that global statistics show that men die an average of six years younger than women for reasons that can be largely preventable this is an alarming loss. Thus, this year, our team decided to start promoting this campaign, starting with our own people.”

The climax of this campaign was reached on the 27th November, when Bank of Valletta organised a workshop Let’s Talk Men’s Health which was open to members of the public as well. Speakers on the panel included Mr Joseph Grech, Practice Nurse from the Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Directorate, who gave an overview of the different health issues generally associated with men, including heart disease and suicides, as well as practical tips to keep in mind and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Another presentation was delivered by Dr Pierre Vassallo, who gave an overview of testicular and prostate cancer, explaining early symptoms one should be on the lookout for, and the related treatments.

In addition, Mr Andrew Grech, who set up the Malta Male Cancer Awareness Group, after he was diagnosed with testicular cancer, shared his experience. Likewise did Mr Matthew Towns, a 35-year old professional goalkeeper and football coach. Both testimonials emphasised the importance of speaking up about these issues and immediately visiting a General Practitioner because the earlier one is diagnosed the better the chances of the cancer not yet having spread to the abdomen and/or vital organs. “This was the first step in a journey that we hope will continue to grow year on year and gain momentum. We thank the speakers who contributed their time and shared their very personal experiences in a bid to help others avoid similar experiences,” concluded Mr Azzopardi.

“This was the first step in a journey that we hope will continue to grow year on year and gain momentum. We look forward to continuing this collaboration. We thank the speakers who contributed their time and shared their very personal experiences in a bid to help others avoid similar experiences,” Mr Azzopardi added.