Raising awareness about the changing face of men’s health and focusing on mental health, suicide prevention, prostate cancer and testicular cancer is the mission of The Movember Foundation - the global leading charity that runs events such as Grow a moustache; Move for Movember; Host a Mo-ment and Mo Your Own Way.
Why is Movember important?
Too many men needlessly die younger than they should of diseases that can be prevented or treated if caught early, whether these be mental health issues, prostate or testicular cancers.
According to the Mental Health Foundation, approximately one in eight men suffer from depression, anxiety, panic or obsessive-compulsive disorders, and one in eight men will get prostate cancer. The risks are even higher for over 50, or if you are black, or had a father or brother who had it. According to the NHS testicular cancer is a relatively rare type of cancer, accounting for just 1% of all cancers that occur in men.
How can you help?
Support your male members of the family or friends, by knowing the signs:
Mental health
Symptoms of depression include irritability, hopelessness, aggression, drinking or substance abuse, and isolation from friends and family. Men who face mental health issues tend to struggle alone and silently endure them.
Prostate cancer
Symptoms of prostate cancer may include blood in urine or semen, erectile dysfunction, pain in hips and spine, weakness in legs, and loss of bowel and bladder function.
Testicular cancer
Symptoms include lumps or swelling in testicles and low, dull aches in the abdomen and groin. Testicular cancer can be cured, but the treatment may cause infertility.
How can bitter leaves help?
The virtues of Vernonia amygdalina, or bitter leaves, have been discussed in one of our previous blogs.
However, a 2021 study published in the Clinical Complementary Medicine and Pharmacology journal ‘revealed that Vernonia amygdalina and its bioactive components possess pharmacological activities such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antimicrobial, hepatoprotective, antidiarrheal, anti-diabetic, and neuroprotective activities.’ While a 2017 study established Vernonia amygdalina has antiproliferative effects against prostate cancer.
So, this Movember, support Men’s Health and take a respite to savour our flavoursome bitter leaf teas.
Further information
Disclaimer
If you or any other person has any medical concern, consult with a healthcare professional. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something that you have read on this blog or in any linked materials. This article is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to replace medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Every person is different and may react to different herbs and teas differently. Never use teas or herbs to treat serious medical conditions on your own. Always seek professional medical advice before choosing home remedies.