Movember Men’s Moments: Q&A with 3 IBX Associates

It’s Movember — that month when folks grow mustaches to draw attention to men’s health issues such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and men’s mental health and suicide prevention.

The IBX Insights Team asked three Independence Blue Cross (Independence) associates for their personal answers to some questions about men’s health, and we’ll be featuring their responses here.

Contents

Mark Trible, Marketing Solutions Consultant

1. What men’s health struggle do you feel is preventable, but often overlooked?

I don’t think there is enough focus on the connection between men’s health and a healthy diet. Cholesterol issues are preventable, and sometimes it seems like messages about making good nutritional choices aren’t geared toward men very often.

2. How do you manage your mental health and find balance in your life?

I try to make sure I’m in communication with a friend or family member almost every day, just to catch up and ensure that I’m talking about whatever is going on with me and in my life.

As for balance, I’m a busy and driven person, so it’s mostly about reminding myself that it’s okay to rest and go easy on myself to achieve that balance.

3. What are your go-to men’s health resources?

I like to keep an eye on whatever we are talking about or working on in the Independence Marketing Department. It helps me stay in tune with current health topics — not just from a work perspective, but also how they could apply to my own health.

4. If you could give your teenage self one piece of advice, what would it be?

Remain active. I played basketball through high school. Then, because of a few injuries and time constraints, I got away from that. But every time I play now, I feel great and realize how much I missed it.

I would just tell my teenage self to stick with it. Don’t forget what brings you joy…it will also help you stay in shape down the line!

Brian Daly, Manager of Creative Operations

1. What men’s health struggle do you feel is preventable, but often overlooked?

Gaining weight due to lack of exercise. I have found through my journey that if you push back your first meal of the day by an hour and you do not eat after 6 p.m., you can maintain or lose weight even if you are not necessarily eating as healthily as you should.

2. How do you manage your mental health and find balance in your life?

Within the last year, I’ve discovered a love of walking. I find peace being alone with my thoughts on a walk. I’ve also taken up pickleball over the past six months. I feel the combination of activities is great for my mental health.

3. What are your go-to men’s health resources?

I met with a nutritionist over the past year. She helped me understand what kinds of foods I should be eating and what I should stay away from entirely. I also use an app to track my caloric intake and exercise. By consistently recording what I eat and my activity levels, I have been able to make better short- and long-term decisions.

4. If you could give your teenage self one piece of advice, what would it be?

I would say, “Remain active through your adult years and practice portion control.”

Matt Lynch, Optimization Manager, Service Operations

1. What is a men’s health struggle that you feel is preventable, but often overlooked?

Sleep deprivation. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that 83.6 million U.S. adults sleep for fewer than seven hours per night. Men reported getting slightly fewer hours of sleep on average than women, and men aged 35 – 44 reported the worst sleep duration out of all gender and age groups.

Lack of sleep can lead to an increased risk of car accidents, a more impaired memory, and a reduced capacity to learn. Short sleep duration (fewer than seven hours per night) is also associated with a higher risk of obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, depression, and stroke.

2. How do you manage your mental health and find balance in your life?

I believe we are at our best when we are connected with other people. I feel most balanced when I:

Partner with others to solve problems together.
Give back to the community.
Work to stay physically fit and to eat well.

At Independence, the Blue Streaks running club, Blue Crew volunteer group, Men’s Multicultural Club, and Latinos Con Proposito are some groups that foster these three behaviors.

I stay active outside the office as well. I play soccer, volunteer for nonprofit organizations, and connect people in my network who would benefit from knowing each other. This brings me fulfillment and balance.

3. If you could give your teenage self one piece of advice, what would it be?

We all benefit when the people in our community feel empowered to be their best. Continue to find ways to be a blessing to others, and work to create a culture where helping others is normal.