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Movember isn’t just about mustaches. It’s a reminder that showing up — for yourself, your family and your future — starts with something simple: paying attention to your health.
Across the Valley, HonorHealth physicians are using this month to encourage men to take those small steps that make a big difference. Because when men stay well, families and communities thrive.
The checkup you keep putting off
Last year, Chris finally did something he’d been avoiding for ages … he booked a checkup. Nothing felt wrong, but his wife kept reminding him that it had been “more than a minute” since his last one.
A few basic labs later, he found out his blood pressure and cholesterol were creeping up. “I thought I was fine,” he admits. “Turns out, I was catching things early enough to do something about them.”
Bryce Lunt, MD, a family medicine specialist, says stories like Chris’ are common — and completely preventable.
“Most guys wait for a problem to show up,” he says. “But prevention isn’t about fixing what’s broken; it’s about keeping you strong and living well for the long haul.”
A yearly visit is more than a box to check. It’s a reset button — a time to talk through what’s new, get quick screenings for things like blood pressure, diabetes or cholesterol, and check in on sleep, stress and nutrition. It’s also your chance to build a relationship with a doctor who knows your story and can spot changes before you do.
So, if you’ve been putting it off, consider this your nudge. Your future self, and everyone who depends on you, will thank you for it.
Prostate and testicular health: Knowing what’s normal
If there’s one topic most men would rather avoid, it’s the one involving exams south of the belt. But the truth is, a few minutes of discomfort can save years of treatment, and possibly your life.
Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men, especially after 50. Testicular cancer tends to appear earlier, often in your 20s and 30s. Both have high survival rates when found early — which starts with knowing what’s normal for you.
Urologist Ben Donovan, MD, says these screenings don’t have to be intimidating. “A lot of men imagine the worst,” he mentions, “but the reality is, screenings are quick, straightforward and they give us valuable peace of mind.”
Younger men can do a quick self-check once a month to notice any changes. Older men should talk with their doctor about when to begin PSA testing, especially if they have a family history of prostate cancer.
“The key isn’t fear … it’s familiarity” adds Dr. Donovan. “The more you know your body, the sooner you’ll recognize when something changes.”
The heart of the matter
Ask any cardiologist: men’s hearts tell their stories early. Maybe it’s the job stress, the skipped workouts or the habit of “I’ll start next week.” Whatever the reason, heart disease remains the leading cause of death for men, but it’s also one of the most preventable.
Cardiologist Sheharyar Ali, MD says the secret isn’t radical change; it’s small, steady shifts that stick. “You don’t have to overhaul your life overnight,” he states. “Even 30 minutes of brisk walking most days can lower blood pressure and stress.”
Simple swaps help too: cook one more meal at home each week, stretch before bed, swap soda for water or call a friend instead of scrolling through stress. Your heart doesn’t need perfection — it just needs attention.
Bones, joints, and staying strong
Men don’t often think about bone health until something cracks. After 40, bone and joint strength start to decline quietly, especially if you sit more than you move.
William Durkin, DO, an orthopedic sports medicine specialist, puts it this way. “We see a lot of active guys who brush off joint pain. But if you address it early, you can stay active longer and avoid bigger problems later,” he says. “Staying strong isn’t just about muscles; it’s about keeping your frame sturdy enough to support everything you love doing.”
The fix isn’t complicated: lift something heavy a few times a week, get enough calcium and vitamin D, and don’t ignore persistent pain. For men with a fracture from a minor fall, a bone density scan can rule out osteoporosis — yes, men get it too.
Everyday health: Sleep, stress and small wins
Healthy living doesn’t always come from the gym or the doctor’s office. It’s built in small, daily decisions that add up.
Move often: Even a walk around the block counts.
Eat real food: More colors on the plate, fewer boxes in the pantry.
Sleep well: Aim for seven to nine hours and let your body reset.
Stay hydrated: Especially in Arizona’s dry heat, dehydration sneaks up fast.
And give yourself some grace.
“It’s not about perfection,” says Dr. Lundt. “It’s about progress — choosing one better habit today than you did yesterday.”
Because health isn’t a chore. It’s an act of self-respect, and one of the best ways to show up for the people who count on you.
Final takeaway: Show up for you
This Movember, skip the gimmicks and start with what matters — a checkup, a conversation, a walk, a better night’s sleep. The men who make time for their health today are the ones who get more tomorrows.
So, grow the mustache if you want, but more importantly, grow the habit of showing up for yourself.
