By ASTROGLIDE Team
Health
Welcome to Movember, aka Men’s Health Awareness Month, aka the month when the streets are filled with mustached men. While we love to see people get excited about having an excuse not to shave, we’re here to remind everyone that this month has real meaning in the community.
So what is Movember? Movember takes place every year in November. The annual event raises awareness about men’s health issues including prostate cancer, testicular cancer and men’s mental health. NS Movember Organization helped lead the charge in creating awareness for this topic. While men’s health should always come first, this month serves as an annual reminder to schedule an annual check-up, eat a little healthier, reach out to a therapist, or take steps to improve your health. Other tactics to promote sexual, mental and physical health.
Show me how you work, work, be active to stay physically healthy
It’s no secret that physical health has an impact on your overall health. Physical health looks different from person to person – for one, it may be eliminating certain foods from their diet, and for another, it’s happening on a daily basis. But one thing is for sure, being physically fit is incredibly beneficial for long-term health.
In the true spirit of Movember, we are going to dive into all things sexual health as it relates to male anatomy, especially the prostate and testes. For starters, prostate cancer is second most common cancer in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society. In fact, about one in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime, and it primarily affects men 65 and older. This is not to say that men under the age of 65 should not be tested for prostate cancer, especially if there is a family history of the disease.
While there’s no way to completely eliminate the possibility of developing prostate or testicular cancer, there are surefire ways to reduce your risk. By considering the steps below, as outlined in Mayo ClinicNot only will you feel better physically, but it can also have a positive impact on your mental and sexual health.
1. Choose a healthy diet
There is power behind the foods we choose to put in our bodies. Understanding the nutritional value behind different foods can help support the development of a nutritious diet. Consider adding more fruits, vegetables, and Omega-3 fatty acids.
2. Maintain a reasonable weight
Needless to say, but maintaining a reasonable weight plays an important role in maintaining a good “health”. Weight seems to be different for everyone, so consider consulting your doctor about what’s best for you. Not only Maintaining a healthy weight helps prevent prostate cancer, but it can also reduce your risk of developing other health problems.
3. Exercise regularly
Exercise is one of the keys to staying healthy. Not only can Reduce inflammation and improve immune function, but it can also help counteract the negative health effects of a sedentary lifestyle.
4. Talk openly with your doctor
The best way to develop healthy habits is to understand why you’re building them, and that starts with having an open, honest conversation with your doctor about your physical health and wellness journey. Friend. It’s important to talk to your doctor about getting regular prostate exams when you’re 65 or older (or earlier depending on family history). Your doctor can advise you on when and how you should begin screening for prostate and testicular cancer, as well as how to develop healthy habits.
It’s time we talked about sexual health
You may be asking yourself, “sexual health, what could that mean?” In fact, it is extremely important to understand what it means to be sexually healthy as it also affects your mental and physical health. Sexual health isn’t just about wearing a condom to stay safe from sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or prevent unwanted pregnancy, it’s also about how you view sex. Medgadget explains sexual health as a blend of one’s physical state, mental state and social well-being as it connects with sexuality. Basically, feeling comfortable and confident about sex and sexuality is the goal.
Dr. Justin Lehmiller, ASTROGLIDE’s Resident Sexologist, comes to the rescue to guide us about What it means to be sexually healthy and how to boost your sexual health. Here are some key ingredients and steps to help improve your sexual health, so keep it in mind.
1. Free yourself from sexual shame and guilt
Since sexual health is related to how you view sex, it’s important to be open and honest with yourself and any potential partners. If you feel embarrassed, confused, uncomfortable, or other negative emotions about sex or your sexual fantasies, chances are it’s going to be very difficult for you to enjoy it. So, the key to unburdening yourself of any hidden shame? Accept yourself and reframe your beliefs to what is considered ‘normal’ when it comes to sex.
2. Feel comfortable and confident when discussing sex
We’ve all heard that communication is key, and this is true of communication before, during, and after sex. A lack of communication can cause unnecessary conflict for sexual partners. If you don’t announce what you like or don’t like during sex, how can your partner know?
Letting go of sexual shame can help remove heavy barriers and help you express what feels comfortable. There are several ways to communicate what you want sexually to your partner:
- Tell them through your fantasies
- Moan and groan when something feels good, signaling to your partner that whatever they’re doing feels right. This is a great opportunity to introduce lubricants into the bedroom to enhance pleasure – give it a try ASTROGLIDE Quiver Liquid for a touch of feeling.
- Show them! Touch yourself while your partner watches so they can better understand what you want
3. Understand your body
No one knows your body better than you, so explore, don’t be shy. Masturbation is a great way to gain confidence both in and out of the bedroom. Take your time, not every masturbation needs to be over quickly just to get the job done. Know your body and what feels best to you: experiment with toys, try a new lubricant, masturbate in front of a mirror. Feeling comfortable and confident in your body will lead to stronger sexual health.
Still curious about the link between sexual and mental health? Dr. Joshua Gonzalez, Sexual Health Advisor of ASTROGLIDE, sat down with Dr. Justin to discuss the connection between the two. Check this out videotapes-
Take care of your mentors
There is a lot of stigma surrounding mental health, especially among cis-gender men, who are frequently exposed to toxic masculinity. It’s time to break the stigma around mental health and give everyone equal resources to feel emotional and get help when needed. Mental health affects everyday life and is an important component of overall health. We have to get out of the way that men shouldn’t discuss mental health because almost 1 in 10 Men in the United States experience varying degrees of daily depression or anxiety.
Still not convinced that men’s mental health should be taken seriously? The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention found that in 2019, men were 3.63 times more likely die by suicide than women. Only one some signs are signals that you or someone close to you may be struggling and should seek professional help:
- Mood change
- Differences in work performance
- Weight change
- Sadness, hopelessness, or emotional turmoil (loss of joy and separation from things that used to be pleasurable)
- Physical symptoms, such as headaches and stomach problems
If you or your loved one is experiencing any of these symptoms, a good place to start is to schedule an appointment with a therapist, primary care physician, or other mental health professional. If this feels too daunting, there are online resources that can guide you in the right direction:
National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 800-273-8255
Suicide Prevention Resource Center: https://www.sprc.org/
If you’re curious about how to join Men’s Health Awareness Month or are looking for additional resources, check out the Movember website here. So now when someone asks you, “What is a Movember,” you will be armed with the answer.
