Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Men's Causes And Why They Are Important


There are 2 things that happen in November that warm my heart in the way of causes. One is Movember which is a fun way to raise awareness and funds towards prostate cancer and depression. Despite women's jokes about men, we do need them and we want them to be around. We want them to be healthy and mentally well adjusted. My friend Vicki never knew her father. When she was two years old,he started getting a pain in the old family jewels and ignored it. By the time one of his testicles was the size of a grapefruit,it was too late and he was dead 3 months later. It's all very well and good to be manly and no one wants to believe there is anything wrong with their bits (and I can attest to that)but WE ARE TALKING ABOUT CANCER!!! Another friend's husband was unwell last year and it ended up that he had a small tumour in one of his testicles. Luckily for him,they got it early and was able to remove it. He had a small amount of chemo and was given a clean bill of health not long ago. So, men of the world-look after your meat and 2 veg! Think of it as your Ferrari,your 59 Chevy Impala or your Mustang (personally I love an old Valliant). We women do love you and want you around. Who's gonna change the lightbulbs for us?

As for your mental state-very,very important. If you do your research on suicide,the rates on males doing the darstardly deed are way more than women. Women attempt suicide more than they do it. When men decide to end it all, they go all the way. No mucking about. I think it's sad that society thinks that 'big boys don't cry'and all that crap. Say what you feel and what you mean. Have a cry and talk to friends if you need to. If someone calls you a 'big girl's blouse' or a poof or whatever- who cares? A well adjusted healthy person is crucial for anyone to get through this thing called life (to quote His Purpleness).

Today is White Ribbon Day. If you are not aware of what this is, it is an initiative to stop men's violence against women. Whether it be physical,sexual,verbal or mental- it is not on. I have just read this excellent article written by Andrew O'Keefe (yes Mr Deal or No Deal)who is the chairman for White Ribbon Day. The statistics for women who die in domestic violence under the hands of a man is frightening. I'm glad such an initiative exists and it must be run by men for men. It's time to get these things out so that we can begin to change.

In the words of the great Martin Luther King Jnr;
"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter."

10 comments:

dam buster said...

Well put Mags.

It is good that men do something for their own benefit. It is a fun and great way to raise awareness of a disease that kills as many men as what breast cancer does to women (not that it is a competition).

Lola Lopez said...

Indeed. I think the Pink Ribbon initiative has been taken far -which is a good thing-and as a person who believes in fairness and equality,the same must be done for mens health both physical and mental.

dam buster said...

Yep I agree. And the whole Mo thing is such a great way to do it because every guy wonders "what would I look like?" so here is a chance to do it and to do a good deed.

I know my workplace which is heavily male dominated has seminars about prostate cancer and the likes during the month. We also have free health check ups tomorrow. One of the lead hands had p-cancer two years ago so has been a real champion for it.

Lola Lopez said...

That's fantastic. We tend not to do anything until it's upon us.
Denial is the biggest killer.
Boy, such a serious blog today. I'd better find something light to report over the next couple of days!
Just got back from buying fake mo's for our Movember day this Friday... You can either by Boonie or Merv Hughes..you think after the exhibition,there would be a few Dali's floating around...

dam buster said...

Well I have just donated to two friends who are doing it. The father of one has been living with p-cancer for 16 years!

As for Mo's why doesnt anyone go for an Adolf??

Lola Lopez said...

You can buy a card of seven days of moustaches and Adolf is one them.. but his 'tash was ugly and unstylish.
And don't forget- Frida Kahlo had a fem-mou and a unibrow.

dam buster said...

Oh yes the Frida..

Lola Lopez said...

Amor Calor Dador Dolor Amor...

tangocherie said...

MM,
Thank you for this post. My healthy young husband died of prostate cancer. He never knew anything was wrong until it spread into his bones and then it was too late. Men need to be more responsible about complaining of symptoms to their doctors.

Lola Lopez said...

Hey Cherie,
Thanks for your comment. How sad that you lost your husband to cancer -well sad that you had to lose him at all. Glad you met the lovely Senor Ruben.
I miss Buenos Aires so much! Hope to get there next year and perhaps meet up with you again!!