MEN’S HEALTH MATTERS: MEN’S HELP LINE 24/DAY NOVA SCOTIA
Life can be tough. It’s okay for any man to reach out and ask for help. That’s why we’ve launched a free, confidential Men’s Helpline through 211. It’s a new service available 24/7 for adult men (18 years and older) who have concerns about their emotional well-being, safety, safety of others, and/or who are experiencing crisis.
September is Suicide Prevention Month – a time to remind Nova Scotians that anyone can connect with 211 for navigation and supports, and to be linked with local community resources.
Soillse Research Lab Team
Click here for NS’s Men’s 24 hour helpline (211)
Androgen Deprivation Therapy Educational Program
In 2019, we published research data showing that the Androgen Deprivation Therapy (ADT) Educational Program Educational Program—i.e., the class plus the book—can significantly raise patients’ self-efficacy in managing ADT side effects. However, it is most effective if taken early, before patients are overwhelmed by those side effects.
The online ADT Educational Program is a free resource to help patients manage ADT side effects and engage in healthy lifestyle behaviours (e.g., physical activity). The program provides support to both prostate cancer patients and their partners or loved ones.
To register go to: www.LifeOnADT.com. The class is a one-time, live (90 min.), facilitated webinar. After attending, Canadian patients are mailed a free copy of the ADT book.
Questions about the ADT online program can be directed to their Project Coordinator Carly Sears at LifeOnADT@gmail.com.
IF YOU ARE CURRENTLY ON HORMONE THERAPY, there are additional risks and side effects you may experience (e.g., cardiovascular side effects). The two brochures include the most up to date clinical recommendations for the management of hormone therapy side effects.
These are handouts which you can take to your Family Doctor (or Nurse Practitioner = NP) and present to them. If you have been on or about to start hormone treatments (injections and/or pills) for your prostate cancer we would like you to take the enclosed pamphlets to your Family Doctor / NP.
These handouts were developed by Canadian prostate cancer experts to instruct your Family Doctor / NP about what to do to monitor and treat the common side effects of hormone therapy.
Here is what you can say to your Family Doctor / NP to explain it to them: “I’m on/starting hormone therapy for prostate cancer. I understand there are side effects from the treatment like problems with blood sugars, cholesterol, bone density, and risk of heart disease among others. These pamphlets were developed by Canadian prostate cancer experts and cardiologists for Family Doctors. Can you please have a look at them to make sure you’re screening for and managing these problems. I will do my best to help by exercising, (+/- losing weight), eating better, … I really appreciate your care!“
The Family Doctors / NPs know how to manage all of these conditions but it’s a good reminder for them to cover all the issues, and to have a conversation with you about what you can do to improve your health in the long term.
1. BROCHURE 1: Prostate cancer hormone therapy and heart health
2. BROCHURE 2: Optimizing Screening and management of Cardiovascular health in prostate cancer
