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He Takes Care of Everyone, Now It's Time He Takes Care of Himself: 6 Ways to Support Men's Health This Movember

  • Writer: Army Sutanningsih
    Army Sutanningsih
  • 4 days ago
  • 8 min read

He's the first one to check if you've eaten, the guy who drives through rain to pick you up, the one who listens to your work drama at 2 AM, even when he's exhausted. He takes care of everyone: his family, his friends, his team, maybe even strangers who need help. But when was the last time someone asked him how he's really doing? When was the last time he took care of himself?


This Movember, it's time to flip the script!


Why Movember Matters?


November isn't only about mustaches (though men love a good Mo!). Movember is a global movement raising awareness for men's health issues that often go unspoken: prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health struggles, and physical inactivity. [1]



Here's the reality you should know:

  • Men are 3x more likely to die by suicide than women [2]

  • Prostate cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in men, with about 1.4 million new cases and 375,000 deaths worldwide in 2020. It is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in men in over half of all countries and the leading cause of male cancer deaths in about a quarter of them [3]    

  • 1 in 5 men will experience major depression in their lives [4]

  • Men live 5 years less than women on average in the U.S, and 7 years longer worldwide [5], and they generally live shorter lives than women due to a combination of biological, behavioral, and social factors [6] 


And if he's in Bali? Maybe he's surfing every morning (but secretly nursing that shoulder injury), working from cafés (while panicking about visa runs), stuck in traffic (questioning all his life choices), or supporting his whole family (without ever complaining). But that whole "be tough, figure it out yourself" mentality? Honestly, it's exhausting just watching it.


The truth is: Behind every strong man is someone who's probably struggling silently.


So this Men’s Health Movember, let’s change that! Here are 6 fun but meaningful ways to support the men in your life: your partner, brother, dad, or bestie, and help them prioritize their health.


6 Ways to Support Men's Health This Movember


1.Start the Conversation (and Actually Listen)


Men are taught to bottle things up. “I’m fine” becomes the default, even when they’re drowning. This Movember, let’s change that, because creating space for real talk can be life-changing. Sometimes he doesn’t need solutions; he just needs to be heard without judgment.

Silhouettes of two people sit on a bench, conversing. A large screen shows a serene ocean scene with a cloudy sky in the background.
A silhouetted couple looks at a serene ocean scene on a screen, reflecting on Movember and the importance of promoting awareness for men's health.

How you can help

Instead of: "Are you okay?"

Try: "You seem stressed lately. Want to talk about it?" or "How are you really feeling about [specific situation]?"

Create regular check-ins such as weekend morning coffee chats, evening walks after work, and late-night talks without phones.

Apply active listening rules:

  • Put your phone away completely

  • Don't immediately try to "fix" things

  • Validate his feelings: "That sounds really tough" or "I can see why you'd feel that way"

  • Ask: "What would help right now?" instead of assuming

Real talk starter prompts:

  • "What's been on your mind lately?"

  • "What's something you're worried about but haven't told anyone?"

  • "How's work/business/life really going?"

  • "When do you feel most stressed?"


2.Encourage (but Don't Nag) about Health Screenings


Testicular cancer is most common in men aged 15-35 [7]. Prostate cancer screening is crucial for men 40+, but many guys avoid seeing a doctor until something’s seriously wrong. This Movember, let’s change that. Early checks can save lives. 


Doctor and patient in discussion at a clinic. Doctor smiles, gestures; screen shows "Clinical Trials for Early Stage Disease.” Bright setting.
A doctor discusses testicular cancer treatment options with a patient, highlighting clinical trials for early-stage and advanced cases.

How you can help

Make it easy:

  • Research clinics in Bali together

  • Offer to book the appointment for him

  • Go with him if he wants company (wait outside or go shopping nearby)

  • Schedule it around something fun: "Let's get your check-up done, then hit that new beach club!"

Frame it positively:

  • "I care about you and want you around for a long time."

  • "Let's both get check-ups together!"

  • "Your health is important to me, and I know it's important to you too."

Bali-specific resources to suggest:

  • BIMC Hospital (Kuta, Nusa Dua) - International standard, English-speaking

  • Siloam Hospital (Denpasar) - Comprehensive men's health services

  • Kasih Ibu Hospital - More affordable local option

  • Trisna Wellness Clinic (Canggu) - Expat-friendly, holistic approach

  • Online telemedicine - For a sensitive topic, he might feel uncomfortable discussing it in person

What he should get checked:

  • Ages 15-40: Testicular self-exams monthly, general physical annually

  • Ages 40+: Prostate screening (PSA test), cholesterol, blood pressure, diabetes screening

  • All ages: Mental health check-ins, STI testing if sexually active

Pro tip: Lead by example. When you schedule your own health check-ups and talk openly about them, it normalizes the behavior.



3.Support His Mental Health (Even When It's Invisible)


Living in Bali can be incredible, but it also comes with unique mental health challenges such as visa stress, financial uncertainty, isolation despite being surrounded by people, imposter syndrome (“everyone else seems to have it together”), and the pressure to “live the dream” even when you’re struggling. This Movember, let’s start being more real about it and check in on the people around us.


Two men sit in a beige room. One in a sweater appears thoughtful, while the other, in a blazer, holds a notepad, suggesting a counseling session.
A man engages in a thoughtful conversation with a therapist in a cozy and well-lit room, seeking guidance and discussing personal insights.

Signs he might be struggling:

  • Withdrawing from social activities

  • Changes in sleep patterns (insomnia or sleeping too much)

  • Increased irritability or mood swings

  • Loss of interest in things he usually loves (surf, gym, hobbies)

  • Drinking or partying more than usual

  • Making self-deprecating jokes that feel... too real

  • "I'm tired" becomes his most common phrase


How you can help:

Normalize therapy:

  • "I've been thinking about seeing a therapist myself" (even if you already do)

  • Share articles or podcasts about men's mental health

  • Mention that many successful people have therapists and it's not weakness, it's called maintenance

Bali mental health resources:

Create mental health-friendly environments:

  • Regular "no-pressure" hangouts where it's okay to just exist

  • Activities that naturally encourage vulnerability

  • Remove stigma: "Going to therapy doesn't mean you're broken; it means you're brave"

Watch for serious warning signs: If he talks about feeling hopeless, worthless, or hints at self-harm, then you need to take it seriously. Don't leave him alone. Help him contact a mental health professional immediately.


4.Encourage Movement


Physical inactivity is one of Movember's key focus areas. Exercise isn't just about abs, it's also crucial for mental health, heart health, and longevity. But sometimes "go to the gym" doesn't work for everyone. 


Man in white shirt and blue shorts holds a padel racket on a court. Green stripes decorate the building in the background. Focused mood.
A focused athlete prepares for a game of padel on a sunlit outdoor court, showcasing dedication and precision.

How you can help

Find activities he actually enjoys:

  • Not a gym guy? Try surfing, hiking Mount Batur, beach volleyball, or Muay Thai

  • Competitive? Join a padel competition, football league or running club

  • Social? Organize group activities with friends

  • Zen? Yoga for athletes or breathwork classes

Make it social: Sports Clubs are excellent facilities for people within a community to engage in recreational and competitive programmes. Join him! Sign up together for:

  • Canggu running groups

  • Bali Hash House Harriers (running + social)

  • Surf lessons or sessions

  • Basketball/football leagues

  • Gym buddy system

Bali-specific movement communities:


5.Cook (or Order) Food that Fuels Him


Nutrition directly impacts physical health, mental health, energy, and disease prevention. But many guys in Bali survive on beer and whatever’s convenient. With the Bali heat and humidity, dehydration hits fast, so keep water bottles everywhere: your bedroom, car, and workspace. This Movember, let’s remind the men around us that taking care of their body is taking care of their mind


Woman in a kitchen reads a recipe while whisking batter in a bowl. Wooden counter, eggs, utensils, hexagonal tiled backsplash.
A woman is preparing a recipe in a cozy kitchen, whisking ingredients in a bowl while reading a cookbook.

How you can help

Make healthy eating effortless:

  • Meal prep together on Sundays

  • Order from healthy Bali restaurants (Crate Café, Betelnut, Butter)

  • Keep healthy snacks stocked (nuts, fruit, protein bars)

  • Make smoothies or juices together

Foods that support men's health:

  • Tomatoes - Lycopene for prostate health

  • Fatty fish (salmon, tuna) - Omega-3s for heart and brain

  • Nuts and seeds - Zinc for testosterone, selenium for fertility

  • Leafy greens - Folate for mental health

  • Berries - Antioxidants for overall health

  • Whole grains - Fiber for heart health

Reduce:

  • Excessive alcohol (Because Bali drinking culture is real!)

  • Processed foods

  • High sugar intake

  • Late-night eating

Make it fun, not preachy:

  • "Let's try that new healthy warung!"

  • "Want to experiment with a new recipe tonight?"

  • "I'm trying to eat better, would you like to join me?"




Making men's health a shared mission, not just "his problems" because it creates accountability, community, and makes the conversation easier.


Grid of men with mustaches on black background, featuring text "MOVEMBER & THE MEN OF NEXT LEVEL RACING" and logo. Various expressions.
Participants of the Movember campaign, part of Next Level Racing, proudly showcase their distinctive mustaches to raise awareness for men's health in a collective portrait.

How you can help

Grow the Mo (or support it!):

  • Encourage his mustache journey

  • Take progress photos

  • Help him groom it (or find a good barber in Bali)

  • Compliment the Mo, make him feel proud, not self-conscious

Move for Movember:

  • Sign up for challenges together: 60 miles run/walk for the 60 men lost to suicide every hour globally

  • Organize group activities: beach cleanups, sunrise hikes, football tournaments

  • Track progress and celebrate milestones

Host a "Mo-ment": Create meaningful conversations around men's health:

  • Villa dinner party with men's health discussion

  • Beach bonfire "Real Talk" night

  • Men's circle at a café or coworking space

  • WhatsApp group for daily check-ins

Fundraise:

  • Set up a Movember fundraising page together

  • Organize a fundraising event: surf competition, art auction

  • Ask local Bali businesses to match donations

  • Share your journey on social media to raise awareness


The man in your life shows up for everyone else. This Movember, show him that he's worth showing up for too. His health matters. His feelings matter. His struggles matter. And having someone in his corner who genuinely cares can make all the difference.

So start the conversation. Book the appointment. Join the movement. Make healthy living fun and accessible. And most importantly, remind him that taking care of himself isn't selfish. It's essential.


Because the world needs him healthy, whole, and here for the long run.


And so do you. 💙





References:

[1] Movember Foundation. (n.d.). Our story: 20 years of changing the face of men’s health. https://us.movember.com/about/history us.movember.com

[2] American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. (n.d.). Suicide statistics. https://afsp.org/suicide-statistics/ afsp.org

[3] European Association of Urology. (n.d.). Prostate cancer: Epidemiology and aetiology. https://uroweb.org/guidelines/prostate-cancer/chapter/epidemiology-and-aetiology uroweb.org

[4] Dattani, S. (2022, May 18). What is the lifetime risk of depression?. Our World in Data. https://ourworldindata.org/depression-lifetime-risk Our World in Data

[5] Harvard Health Publishing. (2016, February 19). Why men often die earlier than women. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/why-men-often-die-earlier-than-women-201602199137 Harvard Health

[6] Zhao, E., & Crimmins, E. M. (2022). Mortality and morbidity in ageing men: Biology, lifestyle and environment. Aging Clinical and Experimental Research, 34(8), 1891–1901. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40520-022-02177-1

[7] Hemminki, K., & Försti, A. (2020). The epidemiology of testicular cancer. In Urologic Cancers. National Center for Biotechnology Information (US). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK585983/ NCBI

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