Every 19 minutes a man in the United States dies from prostate cancer. More than 8,000 cases of testicular cancer are diagnosed each year in our country and depression rates are highest among men between the ages of 40 and 59. However, men are 80 percent less likely to go to the doctor’s office than women when something might be wrong. In an effort to bring more awareness to men’s health and start the conversation, Utica Park Clinic urologist Dr. Dae Yun Kim participates each year in Movember, also known as “No-Shave November.” He hopes when his once clean-shaven face in October gives way to a beard this month, patients will take notice. “My goal is to have that spark and interest in not just cancer education, but lifestyle changes they can do to prolong their life and have a healthier quality of life,” he says. “It is important to have these conversations with them during their clinic visit.”
Completing his Society of Urologic Oncology (SUO) accredited fellowship at M.D. Anderson in Houston, TX, Dr. Kim began growing out a beard with other faculty members, fellows and residents each November. “It brings unity,” he adds. “It brings men’s health to the forefront, because we discuss prostate cancer, testicular cancer and different health issues that affect men.” He says the underlying problem is that men don’t seek health care when they need it and seek help when it is often too late. “The reason I support Movember is because, as men, we sometimes put our health aside for others we love. I want to put men’s health at the forefront for the month of November. We take care of the ones we love, but as men we sometimes sacrifice our health for the sake of others.”
A simple conversation with their health care provider, Dr. Kim says, can help impact men’s overall health for years to come. “Just the simple things like exercising daily, watching your weight and eating healthy foods can go a long way,” he says. “On top of that, I want men to ask for help when they need it. Ask for assistance in figuring out how to reach their health goals and see their doctor on a regular basis.”
As we head into the holiday season, Movember’s mustaches and beards are an opportunity to remind us all of the importance of not taking our health for granted. “Holidays are a time when people get together,” shares Dr. Kim. “It is maybe even a time you discuss health with other counterparts in your family and how they can make a commitment to their health, not just for themselves but for their family as well.”
From handlebars to horseshoes, 5 o’clock shadows and full beards, Dr. Kim welcomes Movember’s creative outlet as an ice-break every year. “It is a good thing,” he says. “It makes men’s health the center of attention.”
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Kim, please call 918-579-3130. For more information on Utica Park Clinic’s commitment to Movember, please click here.