“Reach out and talk to friends. I think once you talk to someone it could be over a beer if need be. But you realize that other people are also dealing with these issues and so it creates some community,” Conners explained.
He added that the mind and body are linked. The more connected they are, the better.
“Exercise is one of the best things you can do for anxiety, for depression, and for our overall health. Also stop smoking and drinking as much as possible,” he advised.
And the reason is simple, according to a fitness trainer from Kamloops.
“It helps men naturally produce their own testosterone, which also helps with regeneration and making you feel better, having more energy,” explained Robert Petrie, owner and head trainer of F3 Fit. “More energy also helps you feel good about yourself and be a productive person in society.” This is a very important thing for men: they want to be needed.
This month, Kamloops Deputy Fire Chief Ryan Cail found his own way to raise awareness about men’s health by raising funds for Movember.
“This is an opportunity for people to share a common interest by expressing interest in raising awareness for men’s health and creating funds in a fun way to help fight all kinds of cancers and issues that men can have in their lifetime,” Cail said.
The focus should not be on this month alone. Men must take care of themselves all year round.
“Depression just doesn’t happen from 9 to 5 during the week in November. Try to commit to a healthy lifestyle throughout the year because you deserve it,” Conners advised.
