Men get moving for Movember

Southampton Solent University is once again joinging the nation in helping to spread the word about men's health this November.

The male population is poised to grow moustaches to help spread the word about men’s health for Movember, and the University is doing its bit to highlight men’s health issues.

Each year the globally recognised campaign grows from strength-to-strength aiming to change the face of men’s health by putting a fun and community-spirited twist on the serious, and often taboo, issue of testicular and prostate cancer and the importance of getting tested.

The landmark month witnesses men of all ages, health partners and charities coming together to kick-start healthy living. Southampton Solent University’s health promotion unit, Health Spark, has investigated how men can counteract the ‘it’ll be alright’ attitude and get fit no matter your age or how busy you are:

Andrew, 42, instructional developer and charity marathon runner

Andrew was 38 when he took up sponsored running to fundraise and take control of his fitness: “I always thought I wouldn’t like it, however, I found it meditative” he says.

Andrew usually starts his day at 6am with a run in the New Forest or a spot of yoga. When life at work becomes demanding he finds stepping away from the stresses of the job and going for a lunchtime run helps him.

His mindful approach has helped him find balance in his social life too: “I do like a drink and I like to party, but staying fit improves the overall quality of my life and gives me a lot of pleasure.”

Stephen, 20, advertising student and basketball enthusiast

In addition to his studies, Stephen counts football, basketball and boxing among his favourite past times. He is committed to working out at the gym and participates in basketball games for both improving his fitness and for fun.

Stephen is a keen supporter of Movember and its research, awareness and education, he says: “Movember is the month for us men to encourage our mates, dads, brothers and uncles to get checked for prostate and testicular cancer- it doesn’t take long to get checked out!”

Bill, 55, lecturer and commuting cyclist

Bill’s ‘move it or lose it’ maxim is part of his everyday life. When not cycling to and from work, he braves a regular Pilates class where ladies far outnumber men but Movember has helped him overcome the fear: “You can bring sport into your social life: fly a kite with the family, play cricket – just choose something that’s going to be fun,” he advises.

“Don’t treat sport as something elite; use skipping ropes, play hopscotch or throw a ball against a wall!” he adds.

Alex, 32, accountant and have-a-go gardener

His work in finance means Alex spends most of his day sitting down, but after learning about men’s health he is now committed to getting active and improving his diet.

He admits that he doesn’t always feel like doing exercise but reminds himself of the positive effect he feels from physical activity: “I forget about my worries and get into my ‘zone’.”

Alex now enjoys running and cycling and unwinds by tending to his own vegetable garden which supplies him with wholesome meals as part of his five-a-day pledge.

Steve, 56, finance director and part-time referee

When not taking care of finances, Steve can be found on a football pitch refereeing. He must undergo an annual fitness test involving a 2,600m run in 12 minutes and two 50m sprints in 7 seconds to qualify.

Despite his busy schedule he prescribes himself physical activities each week to stay motivated and reduce stress: “The key thing is diary planning and clarity with those you work with to avoid stress” he says.

He is as careful with his portion control and alcohol intake as he is with his diary. Since having a medical at work three years ago he now drinks Redbush tea, to help keep his antioxidant levels high: “I’ve not had a sick day in five and a half years!” he says proudly.

Abrar, 55, former naval officer and reformed dieter

After spending 35 years at sea in the merchant navy, Abrar’s fitness started to slip as he spent more and more time at a desk and eating the wrong food.

After suffering a heart attack he reformed his ways and now walks an hour every day: “Not only have I increased my physical activity but I have changed my diet- I’ve cut out saturated fats.”

He now cooks with healthier oils and has exchanged table salt for sea salt. The customary fried egg for breakfast has been replaced by cereal: “Take your health seriously- prevention is better than cure” he adds.

Health Spark’s top tips include:

- get moving - be physically active for at least 30 minutes a day
- eat healthy and control your weight
- don’t stress- take regular relaxation breaks
- see a doctor for a check up - they’ve seen it all before!
- don’t delay in getting men’s health checks – early detection saves lives
- know your family history - are you at risk of health issues?
- rest and sleep well and take some relaxation time.

Ends

Notes to editors:

• Photos: Case study profile shots, Solent University and Health Spark logos.
• To sign up to Movember and find out more about requirements to qualify: uk.movember.com/

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT THE MEDIA OFFICE ON 023 8031 9040

Notes to editors:

About Southampton Solent University

Southampton Solent University offers more than 23,000 students over 200 qualifications ranging from HND to PhD, in subjects such as maritime education and training, fashion and design, media and television, music, health, sport and leisure, business, IT and technology. The university was awarded the 2013 Quality Assurance kitemark for quality and standards of teaching and learning. Solent was voted one of the most creative universities in the UK in a Which? University 2013 poll of students.

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