November marks Men’s Health Awareness Month – Bupa Dental Care is raising awareness of this essential yet sometimes overlooked topic.
Bupa Dental Care prioritises and encourages all its people to have open and honest conversations about their physical and mental wellbeing all year-round. However, men are often less likely to seek help for health issues, like heart disease, diabetes, and mental health challenges.
Movember’s 2024 movement also highlights some statistics that affect men’s health:
- Men are dying on average 4.5 years earlier than women, and for largely preventable reasons
- A growing number of men – around 10.8 million globally – are facing life with a prostate cancer diagnosis
- Globally, testicular cancer is the most common cancer among young men.
Across the world, one man dies by suicide every minute of every day, with males accounting for 69% of all suicides. And in line with Movember’s 2024 theme of ‘positive male role models’, we spoke to a few male colleagues about who they look up to:
Angus Pringle, orthodontist at The Wessex Specialist Dental Centre
Even before the very recent sad news, I’ve always looked up to Sir Chris Hoy as a wonderful, positive role model for men. I greatly admire his cycling abilities and world class achievement on the track over many years. Despite his world class achievements, he comes across as a humble and gentle ambassador who celebrates and encourages both male and female cyclists.
As a top-level competitor, his drive is second to none, and off the track, his warm, charismatic nature never fails to inspire me and others.
There are no words to describe how we all felt when we heard the sad news of his cancer diagnosis. Sharing his journey and mindful approach to this new chapter is so important for others in similar situations. Even when things are tough, he can still smile and inspire.
Anthony Sweeney, regional clinical director at Bupa Dental Care
I recently started listening to Steven Bartlett’s podcast. I appreciate his straightforward, well-rounded and direct approach to various issues, including health and neurodiversity. He is laser-focused on the key issues that matter, addressing them openly to help others.
Closer to home, I have learned a lot from Chris Bell, an associate and oral surgery professor who taught me during my postgraduate dental studies at the University of Bristol. Chris was diagnosed with and treated for prostate cancer in recent years, and he actively encourages everyone he speaks to about getting checked. I really appreciate his honesty about his health challenges to help others going through similar difficulties.
Lee Lambourne, practice manager at Bupa Dental Care Morecambe
I’m inspired by Sir David Attenborough and admire his dedication and commitment to combating climate change and creating a sustainable future for everyone.
In recent years, I’ve also found it encouraging to hear more openness from celebrities and sports figures. This shift has highlighted the reality that everyone can be affected by mental health issues, encouraging men to seek advice and support from friends and colleagues.
Keith Millward, NHS contracts & commissioning manager at Bupa Dental Care
I’ve thought long and hard about this, and while several people have influenced me at different times in my life, the one who stands out the most is my father, who passed away 10 years ago. I wouldn’t say he did anything extraordinary, but he instilled solid values in me. I hope I’m honouring his memory by passing those values on to my two boys.
Tanzil Ahmed, regional operations director, Bupa Dental Care
My father, Saleh Ahmed, is my greatest inspiration. I started working with him at 15, and his incredible work ethic has always impressed me. He has dedicated his life to balancing three jobs and has taught me everything I know.
I admire his caring nature; he always goes out of his way to help others and sees the best in everyone. He has numerous achievements in business and education and takes great pride in his children, yet he remains humble. Choosing my father as a role model may seem cliché, but if I can become half the man he is, I will consider my life a success.
At Bupa, people are at the heart of the business, and we want them to be healthy, happy and supported in their roles and feel motivated and inspired in their professional and personal lives.
To find out more about our culture, please visit: jobs.bupadentalcare.co.uk/culture/.
This article is sponsored by Bupa Dental Care.
