As “Movember” begins to wind down on the calendar, a Richmond fitness firm is ramping up efforts to raise funds and awareness about men’s health issues.
On Saturday morning, the husband and wife team of personal trainers from Lifepath Transformations will be on hand at Minoru Park to conduct a free (by donation), 60-minute training session for those of all ages and fitness levels at the Move 4 Mo Health & Fitness Fundraising Workout.
But it’s not just about getting on a sweat for the hour and raising funds for Movember initiatives.
For event organizer Duncan Waller, who runs Lifepath Transformations with his wife Jenn, it’s also about changing attitudes about men’s health issues, including mental health — something that a great many ignore when compared to women.
According to Statistics Canada, despite increased health risks compared to women — in terms of heart disease, cancer, diabetes complication — men are about half as likely to visit the doctor as women. Plus, 20 per cent of males aged 12 and older do not even have a family doctor compared to one in 10 women.
Those kinds of numbers need to be changed, said Waller, who has a special place in his heart for events designed to promote health awareness for men.
Waller’s father passed away Nov. 7 after a long battle with depression. That loss re-affirmed his commitment to holding the event on Saturday.
Waller said men in general are inhibited from paying closer attention to their health by the stigma that still surrounds some illnesses, especially mental health.
“As men, many of us take on the attitude that we can handle our problems by ourselves,” he said, adding he recalls how his father endured multiple hospital stays over his lifetime, dealing with the stigma of mental health which has changed in recent years.
So, too, has the attitudes related to other health concerns for men thanks to Movember initiatives.
“We’ve got a long way to go, but every year things get better,” Waller said, adding funds raised will be directed to the Movember Foundation, a global organization which allocates funds to men’s health issues.
“After hearing this news, while most assuredly saddened and shocked I made the commitment to make this fundraising event even more important, as well as also making it an annual memorial event in honour of my father,” Waller said who has participated in other Movember event in past years and decided this November his business was well suited to take play a role since it focuses on helping people not just become more physically healthy, but make lasting changes and live a better, overall lifestyle.
Last year, according to the foundation, a total of $33.9 million was raised in Canada with 90.5 per cent spent on research into men’s health. The remainder covered costs and the foundation’s administration.
Saturday’s workout begins at 11 a.m. at the track’s south end and will be followed by a raffle for prizes.which include gift certificates for massage therapy, a Tim Hortons coffeemaker, a Richmond Sockeyes hoodie and 25 tickets to home games, and an autographed Vancouver Whitecaps soccer ball and scarf. Those taking part are asked to meet at the south end of the Minoru Park track, rain or shine. If the weather is too inclement, the event will be moved indoors.
