Focus is on men’s health this month

WITH Movember commemorated this month, the Western Cape Department of Health (DoH) wants to raise awareness about the importance of men getting regular medical check-ups.

Natalie Watlington, spokesperson for the DoH, said men of all ages should go for regular examinations – and those over 40 were advised to go at least once a year.

“There are a number of things men can do to prioritise their health around prostate and testicular cancer, which include going for screening tests for cancer, prostate screening and testicular self-examination once a month.”

Similarly, the Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation – that will officially launch their Amajita Tutu Truck on November 19, on International Men’s Day – want men to be holistically in control of their health.

“It’s not just about getting checkups for prostate or testicular cancer, but focusing on the overall well-being of men, as many young guys feel health initiatives are exclusively aimed at women,” said Ndumiso Madubela, PhD candidate and researcher at the Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation.

“Very often, young men do not like visiting clinics and so the official launch of this truck will be a way for men to receive medical care in a relaxed and comfortable environment,” he said.

After the launch, the truck will be driving around the areas surrounding Philippi Village, Khayelitsha, Mitchells Plain and Langa every day and offering HIV testing, viral-load testing, checking body mass index and more.

Meanwhile, Dylan Oktober, spokesperson for Cape Mental Health, said Movember was also aimed at raising awareness about suicide in men and the mental health issues they face.

“We find that men in particular are more reluctant to come forward and admit they may be having issues with their mental health and seek the necessary help, especially when we take into consideration that men are more likely to commit suicide than their gender counterparts,” he said.