‘No Shave November’ puts the focus on men’s health
Many men experience ailments and health concerns throughout the course of their lives, but do not always seek the care they need. A 2023 Cleveland Clinic survey revealed that 44% of men did not get a physical examination, 49% of men do not keep a healthy diet, and 65% of men are hesitant to seek out care for their mental health needs.
This November, I am participating in the Reading Hospital Foundation’s annual “No Shave November” to help raise awareness about the importance of men’s health, as well as to support patients undergoing cancer treatment and who may be experiencing hair loss. In 2022, the initiative raised $41,746, which funded programs, services and life-saving projects at the McGlinn Cancer Institute. Our goal in 2023 is to raise $50,000.
As men age, conversations of varying health concerns like prostate cancer and heart disease begin to occur more frequently. While these conversations are important, it is time to improve the way we think and speak about men’s health at all ages and stages of life.
We must be more proactive about our physical, mental and social health by taking care of our health throughout the course of our lives. I encourage you to join in on the “No Shave November” challenge and take the first step toward a healthier, happier lifestyle by scheduling important preventive care appointments.
Early detection is the best prevention, and preventive care appointments help to identify health issues early on. Reading Hospital regularly hosts free prostate screenings and skin cancer examination events throughout the year as an option for those who may be underor uninsured.
• PHYSICAL EXAMINATION>> Annual physical examinations are an essential form of regular, preventive care that can help you to identify and treat potential health issues before they worsen. To request an appointment, visit MyTowerHealth.org.
• SKIN CANCER EXAMINATION>> Reading Hospital regularly hosts free skin cancer screenings at the McGlinn Cancer Institute to help increase the chance of finding skin cancer early on. To register for the next session, call 1-833-34-TOWER.
• LUNG CANCER SCREENING>> Lung cancer screenings are able to detect early stages of lung cancer when it is at its most curable stages. Those interested in scheduling a screening should call 1-833-34-TOWER.
• PROSTATE CANCER SCREENING>>
According to CDC data, “for every 1,000 men between the ages of 55 and 69 years old who are screened, about 1 death will be prevented and 3 men will be prevented from getting prostate cancer that spread to other places in the body.” Reading Hospital hosts free prostate
cancer screenings at the McGlinn Cancer Institute throughout the year. These screenings are comprised of a full PSA blood test and a physical prostate examination.
• INFLUENZA VACCINATION>> As winter approaches, the chances of infection of the common cold, influenza and other respiratory infections rise. Getting your flu shot helps to prevent illness and potential hospitalization. Getting
your flu shot also helps to protect the people around you, like your friends and family, by creating an immune response.
Reading Hospital strives to promote healthy habits and preventive care appointments to our neighbors regardless of age to ensure our community has access to the lifesaving care they need. Physical examinations and preventive care screenings should not just be promoted as we age, but rather throughout the course of our lives.
Join with me in changing the way we think and speak about men’s health by scheduling a preventive care appointment. Those who wish to join in on the “No Shave November” challenge should email Stacey Cole, director for Stewardship and Special Projects, at Stacey. Cole@towerhealth.org. To donate, visit https://www.classy. org/campaign/no-shave-november/c528131.