Although you probably associate Movember with November and in growing a beard or moustache to raise money, the foundation works all-year-round to address some of the biggest health issues faced by men, including prostate cancertesticular cancer, and mental health.

By 2020, the foundation aims to reduce the number of males dying prematurely by 25%, and in continuing to find and fund the most innovative research. To-date, Movember has funded over 1,200 men’s health projects and raised £433million.

We’re passionate about spreading awareness and in supporting initiatives which promote mental and physical health and wellbeing, and this year’s Movember is no exception.

It might not come as a surprise to learn that one of the biggest health issues affecting men is mental health, with 12.5% of men in the UK thought to be suffering from one of the common mental health conditions such as stress, depression and anxiety (1).

Not only that, but males are much less likely to seek professional supportcompared to women, and are also less likely to disclose a mental health problem to friends and family, according to a recent report published by the Mental Health Foundation (2).

Written in bold on the Movember website are the words ‘prostate cancer kills 35 men every hour’ and ‘testicular cancer is the most common form of cancer in men under 40’. So, this year, we wanted to use Movember as a timely reminder to all of our policyholders, our local community, and our teams of the importance in getting yourself checked out for testicular and prostate cancer – whether you have concerns or not – and in making sure that you speak to someone about any mental health conditions you may be facing.

Don’t forget that as a Paycare policyholder (and for men who don’t like to ‘make a fuss’ at the doctor’s) you have unlimited access to our GP 24/7 Telephone Consultation Service, where you can speak to a friendly, professional and qualified GP and receive completely confidential support, advice and guidance seven days a week, 365 days a year.

Not only that, but if you find that you need to have specialist consultations and investigative tests done as referred to you by your GP, you can claim the cost back up to your annual limit (depending on the level of cover you have).

Don’t let the financial burden get in the way of your health and wellbeing. 

For more information about these services, or to explore a Paycare policy for yourself, your family or your employees, do get in touch with a member of the team who’d be happy to help.

(1) Men’s Health Forum | https://www.menshealthforum.org.uk/key-data-mental-health

(2) The Guardian and Mental Health Foundation | https://www.theguardian.com/society/2016/nov/05/men-less-likely-to-get-help–mental-health