November is National Caregiver and Men's Health Awareness Month

This month is National Caregiver Awareness Month and Men’s Health Awareness or “Movember”.

Established in 2022 by President Biden, this set aside period gives experts, advocates, and people concerned with or affected by caregiving a chance to learn and share important information about the experience of caregiving for a loved one. Today, far too many Americans find themselves sandwiched between the enormous tasks of supporting aging parents, raising young children, and earning a living. Others bear the responsibility of caring for loved ones with a disease, disability or looking after wounded, ill, or injured service members and veterans who have sacrificed so much for us all. The truth is, at some point in our lives, each of us will likely need to be a family caregiver — but the burden falls especially hard on those who cannot afford support. Women, people of color, and immigrants shoulder a disproportionate share of the obligation, sometimes forced to leave good jobs to instead provide care. Their work is a profound service to their families and to our Nation, but they are still too often unseen, undervalued, and unpaid. (Excerpt from the White House decree, to read the full declaration click here)

This month also provides an opportunity to lend support and comfort to those afflicted by prostate cancer. For nearly twenty years, Movember has been raising awareness of men's health issues every November. The movement started with two friends in Australia who used their mustaches to spark conversations about prostate cancer. Since September is National Prostate Cancer Awareness month, the month of November gives an opportunity to continue the conversation on prostate cancer while also checking on overall Men’s Health Awareness.

Building awareness for both of these subjects is very important. This month we will be sharing information and strategies for both caregivers and men who are ready to take control of their health.

Here are some ways you can get involved this November and to drive awareness.

1. Post Hashtags on Social Media

Social media is one of the best ways to bring attention to important issues. These platforms help us connect with people and communities around the world in a matter of seconds.

By adding a prostate cancer hashtag to your social media posts, you can potentially help millions of people engage with your post and see crucial information about the disease.

Here are some popular hashtags to drive awareness for these topics:
#prostatecancer
#menshealth
#urology
#IPCF
#giveprostatecancerthefinger
#fightingprostatecancer
#caregivers
#caregiversupport
#caregiving
#seniorcare
#homecare
#healthcare

2. Wellness challenge — Launch into a Healthier Lifestyle

Studies suggest that illnesses such as cancer is preventable with shifts in lifestyle factors, such as exercising and eating a balanced diet. We encourage you to show support this month with a wellness challenge. Evaluate your lifestyle and see where you can make some positive shifts. Start incorporating changes to your daily life. Create realistic expectations of what change is possible, and work everyday to build healthier habits. You don’t have to make all the changes at once, and you’ll have a better success rate if you are realistic in your planning. Visit the resources center for tips and strategies on food choices and recipes, exercise guidance and meditation, and much more.

3. Support a Caregiver in your life

Caregivers are typically family members or friends who provide unpaid, long-term, community-based care and assistance to older adults and people with chronic health conditions or disabilities. Caregivers help with a variety of routine tasks, all while managing their everyday lives and jobs. Additionally, they are often a source of emotional support and companionship for care recipients. But caregivers need support as well. Below are some things that can be done to help ease the burden on the caregivers in our life.

• Help them with errands, chores, and other tasks.

• Provide emotional and social support.

• Negotiate times to check in on them.

• Make sure they are managing their own health care needs.

• Help them create and manage a care plan for the person they care for.

• Encourage them to seek mental health services if necessary.

4. Men should check health guidelines for their age and get screened

Many illnesses can often be diagnosed early by screening. but one thing we can be proactive about is our health and staying healthy. Illness can sneak up on us when we are not paying attention, don’t know what to look for, or skip screenings. If you want to be in control, recognize the importance of health screening and early detection of any issues.

The International Prostate Cancer Foundation recommends that men have a chance to make an informed decision with their health care provider about whether to be screened. The decision should be made after getting all the facts about the uncertainties, risks, and potential benefits of each screening. Keep on eye on the website, this month we will

5. Spread Awareness in Your Workplace or Community Center

The International Prostate Cancer Foundation has downloadable infographics, wellness strategies, posters and patient guides available so everyone can share prostate cancer education and awareness. There are also downloadable infographics on Overall Men’s Health and Caregiving. Below are a few of the many posters and flyers you can find in the download center. Be sure to check back regularly, IPCF is always adding new information and resources.