Each November, the Movember Foundation encourages men across the world to pay more attention to their own health. This November, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan is collaborating with the Movember Foundation to help change the face of men’s health. The Blues are encouraging the men of Michigan to get healthy by growing a mustache for men’s health awareness.

The Blues will be focused on creating awareness for early detection/prevention, encouraging men to get informed of their health situation and knowing their numbers, and not living with mental health diseases.

To join in on the conversation online, check out AHealthierMichigan.com, follow @HealthierMI on Twitter, and like A Healthier Michigan on Facebook. Throughout the month, the Blues will be encouraging you to #ShoYoMo to support men’s health and giving away great prizes.

Ken Dallafior, former Detroit Lion and senior vice president of Group Business and Corporate Marketing for the Blues, shares his thoughts on the important role health and wellness plays in his life, and why he believes the men of Michigan should join him in taking control of their own health in November.

1. Why is it important for men to be engaged and in control of their health?

As we all know, there are a lot of things in life we don’t have control over, but our health is something we can and should control. We’re more productive, happier and are at the top of our game when we’re healthy, and we need to stay this way to be supportive for friends and family.

2. Why do you think most men avoid seeing their doctor on a routine basis?

I think it’s the tough guy mentality. Men view going to the doctor as a sign of weakness, even though we all know that’s not even close to being true. All the tough guys out there, like NFL football players, see their doctors regularly. They know their health is important if they want to keep playing. Men also don’t like bad news. They worry the doctor will tell them something they don’t want to hear. If they don’t hear it, then it doesn’t exist – and we know that’s not true, but we think that way. We tend to view our health as an inconvenience. 

3. Part of BCBSM’s Movember challenge includes getting men to “know their numbers” – blood pressure, cholesterol and body mass index. With health being an important part of your athletic career, why do you think these baseline health screenings are important?

These are the three most basic indicators of your risk for major diseases. You’ll live a longer, healthier life if you know these numbers, and if they’re not within an acceptable range, this is your opportunity to take control and fight back against strokes, heart attacks, and cancer. So many people can quote football statistics from rote memory. Challenge yourself to know these numbers too.

4. What recommendations would you make to men to help them stay healthy?

Men can do a lot of things to stay healthy. First of all, go to the doctor for a routine physical every year. Exercise at least 30 minutes per day at least four times per week. Exercise improves your physical health, and in turn your overall sense of well-being and happiness. 

It’s also important to stay hydrated and drink plenty of water. Fatigue and muscle cramps come with dehydration. Athletes stay hydrated because they understand it’s necessary for peak performance, and this holds true with non-athletes as well.

Incorporate fruits and vegetables into your diet – it’s actually a lot easier than you think. For example, salsa is full of vegetables, and the lycopene in tomatoes has been linked to reduced risk of prostate cancer.

5. What do you think is the biggest challenge men have in owning their health?

Overcoming the stigma associated with going to the doctor and admitting you might have a health problem. It goes back to that tough guy mentality – the thought that something might be wrong, and if there is something wrong, tough guys “suck it up and deal with it.” Look at professional athletes – we all think they’re really tough and don’t need to see a doctor, but in reality, they (the tough guy athletes) see the doctor a lot.

It’s unfortunate that our society discourages healthy behaviors and lifestyles in boys and men. On average, men die almost six years earlier than women, and it didn’t used to be that way. It’s really important that we take control of our healthy so we can be there for our families, friends, and make a positive contribution to society. 

Real men…

• Get checked: Prostate cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death in men, and prevention is key.

• Get informed: Go in for an annual check-up and screenings at major age milestones; talk with their families about their health and discussions with physicians; don’t make excuses.

• Know their Numbers: Keep track of their numbers: blood pressure, cholesterol and body mass index (BMI), as these numbers can provide a glimpse of your health status and risk for certain diseases; ask their doctor what tests are needed and how often they are needed; ask about high/low numbers, ask what the meaning/implication is, and work with their doctor to make recommendations to get the numbers to healthy range.

• Don’t Live with Depression: Ask for help when they have a problem; talk about issues they are dealing with (work, life, stresses); talk about their feelings; acknowledge physical symptoms and feelings.

Why men are at high risk

• A higher percentage of men have no healthcare coverage. 

• Men make ½ as many physician visits for prevention.

• Men are employed in the most dangerous occupations, such as mining, fire fighting, construction, and fishing.

• Society discourages healthy behaviors in men and boys.

• Research on male-specific diseases is underfunded.

• Men may have less healthy lifestyles including risk-taking at younger ages.