HELP!!!!!!!!!!!! Health Promotion

[laura25]

Hello everyone

I was just after a little bit of advice. I apologise if I have put this in the wrong section on this site, but was unsure where to post this.

Basically I am a student nurse in my second year. I have recently been given an assignment to do relating to health promotion.

I have chosen to focus my assignment on men's health and promoting awareness of testicular cancer and promoting self examination. We have to select an age group of a narrow band so I have decided to focus it on 14-16yr olds.

For this assignment we have to develop a health resource, such as a leaflet, poster, tutorial, teaching session, games, teaching package, well any resource is acceptable.

Basically what I have posted this on here for is to get some advice from you guys to find out what health resources you would like to see, such as leaflets etc and what you feel should be included, because I am aware that there is not alot of information readily available for men as opposed to women.

I was also thinking of doing a poster with somebody famous on it with some quote type things, but not really sure.

Has anyone got any ideas of what they believe would work/be beneficial? What you believe would be ideal, would like to see etc?

I apologise if this sounds a bit like babble.

I would really appreciate any help/advice anyone can give me.

Thanks Laura

[Karen]

Laura,
Welcome and thanks! This is a much needed area for eduaction...thanks for taking it on. Every gym shower I've been in has had a breast self exam card hanging in it. Do the guys have anything similar? Do they learn in health classes? Do dads discuss it?
Guys, I hope you chime in with what would have helped you learn the importance of a self exam at an early age, as well as how to do one. Laura, thank you for presenting an opportunity to educate and make a difference. I hope your assignment goes outside your classroom and gets the word out!

[laura25]

Hi Karen

Thanks for your reply it is really appreciated.

I will definitely take your questions on board in relation to if guys have anything similar with regard to breast self exam cards etc.

My course tutor has suggested something interactive either setting up a website or something physical such as creating some sort of testicles for guys to feel to know what is normal and what is abnormal (abnormal is probably the wrong word to use here, but is all I can think of at the moment).

I know that this is a sensitive subject, but I was hoping to get some more response/ideas from numerous people, bearing in mind that although this is only an assignment, after christmas I will be placed in the community, ie schools etc so there may be an opportunity to get some education out there in relation to testicular cancer etc.

So if anyone else can help please do.

Laura x

[Karen]

Laura,
The testicle model, while a good idea, may not be relevant. A lot of times a lump isn't felt at all, just a feeling of discomfort, heaviness, aches etc.

Come on guys....if you were an adolescent what would have made you more aware....this may make a difference in early detection and saving a life.

[Lori]

Laura, I love what you are doing. One of my goals in early 2007 is to go to our local highschool and talk about including a discussion on testicular cancer in their gym or health class. It isn't talked about here and I think it should be. I'll ask my husband if he has any ideas, and post again next week.

I do like the idea of the testicular model only because it can show these young guys the difference in size of one vs the other and then a discussion can be had around why there may be a size difference...could be normal, could be something else. Could a model also be used to show how to do a self exam?

Have you reached out to the Lance Armstrong Foundation? There is another group that was referenced here in the past that is committed to promoting self exams. I have to find the link and will post it again when I find it. Maybe they can help too.

I really hope some guys on the forum give their recommendations...

[Scott]

There is another group that was referenced here in the past that is committed to promoting self exams.

I bet you mean the Sean Kimerling Testicular Cancer Foundation.

[Lori]

Thanks Scott that is what I was referring to