Seed Co-Founder & Yoga Teacher, Kate Kirrane, explores the changing face of men’s health this Movember & examines the postitive growth in the world of men’s health.
Here at Seed we are passionate about supporting men in their quest to be healthier and happier. And with November (aka Men’s Health Month) upon us once again, we wanted to dedicate this week to taking a deeper dive into all things men’s health, sharing valuable insights, info, tips and advice from our incredible experts from across the wellness spectrum.
The changing face of men’s health
The good news is that according to current stats, the number of men reaching out for both physical and mental health support is increasing year on year. Seed’s teachers and practitioners are among many seeing this change in tide.
Said Seed’s Psychotherapist, Deb Milligan, “Traditionally, where my clinic was majority female, today it is a 50-50 split. I think the growing awareness of men’s mental health over the past few years has really helped to eliminate the stigma. Although there is still more work to be done to break down the barriers, there has been great progress.”
Colonic Hydrotherapist, Debbie Dean, said she now sees more men than women in her clinic. Said Debbie, “This reflects there has been a seismic shift out there in the mindsets of men. They are more interested in looking after themselves and taking responsibility for their health and wellbeing.”
Why the focus on men’s health specifically?
Research shows that there is massive gender inequality when it comes to health. Men are more likely to die younger than women (one in five men die before the age of 65 – that’s 20% of men who won’t reach retirement age). Why? Because they are at higher risk of serious health issues such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, certain types of cancer such as prostate and testicular, and mental health issues such as depression and suicide.
Why is the risk greater for men?
Research shows that men are less healthy than women, with more likelihood to smoke, drink alcohol to excess and be overweight or obese. Men are also less likely to visit a healthcare professional or GP, putting off a health check until their symptoms can no longer be ignored.
Further studies show that men who suffer frequent bouts of depression are 40% more likely to develop heart disease.
The bottom line? Men who have unhealthy lifestyles are more at risk of illness and disease. So, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is the biggest single thing they can do to help reduce this risk. This includes eating healthily, taking regular exercise, relieving stress and addressing poor mental health.
OUR MEN’S HEALTH OFFERING AT SEED
Men-only yoga and Pilates classes are becoming increasingly popular, with men of all shapes and sizes, ages and abilities coming to the mat to unlock their bodies, relax their minds and reap the many other benefits of these powerful, transforming disciplines that women have been enjoying for years.
At Seed, we offer weekly men’s yoga and Pilates classes. As a yoga teacher, I personally witness my students enjoy the liberation of stretching out on mat in a space where there are no expectations or pressures on them to be a certain way or achieve a certain pose.
I am also personally seeing a shift in attitude as my students open up to what the world of wellness has to offer beyond the mat, from essential oils for releasing stress to massage for wellbeing as well as injury; and breathwork for calming the nervous system to nutritional support for boosting health and vitality.
While there is a long way to go in the sphere of men’s mental health in particular, these more holistic forms of exercise can provide men with effective tools to help them protect not just their physical health but also their mental wellbeing going forward.
PTSD & TRAUMA
Seed has a range of experts who address these issues. This includes Clinical psychologist, Anouk Houdijk, who works with both adults (including veterans) and teens; Craniosacral Therapist, Amber Kelly who helps clients manage and overcome PTSD; and Hypnotherapist Clare Cogan, who works with teens and young men dealing with trauma.
- Men-Only Yoga
- Using breathwork and movement to combat stress while building all-body strength, flexibility & balance
- Men-Only Pilates
- to promote a strong core and all-over body strength
- Counselling
- to talk in a non-judgemental space
- Psychotherapy & Psychology
- to address / treat depression, anxiety, insomnia, trauma & PTSD
- Herbal Medicine
- for men’s health & sexual health
- Colonic Hydrotherapy
- for improved gut health, digestion, vitality and mental health
- Homeopathy
- for common men’s health ailments
- Nutritional Therapy & Heath Supplements
- For men wishing to learn more about the best foods and supplements for them
- Hypnotherapy / CBT
- For teens and young people dealing with depression, anxiety & trauma
HELP RAISE FUNDS FOR MOVEMBER 2021!!
Leading men’s health charity Movember (www.movember.org) is continuing its amazing work to raise funds for vital research into effective treatment for the biggest health threats men face including heart disease, prostate cancer, mental health and more.
If you looking for some guidance and wish to discuss your own personal health status and goals, we offer a FREE phone consultation to understand your specific needs, provide information and advice and, if required, direct you towards an appropriate practitioner. For more information, please email us at info@seedwellness.co.uk.
