Men's Health Matters: Movember

 

No, it is not a typo! So, for work, I have to find interesting topics that ranging from heritage observances to other fun details and feature them weekly on the website.  So, for November, I came across this thing called Movember, and naturally, I was curious.  Initially, I thought it was a typo, but I learned it's an actual thing that has been in existence since 2003. It is an annual event in November where men grow their mustaches to raise awareness for men’s health, specifically: prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health, and suicide prevention. This resonated with me, especially as I feel there is more emphasis these days on girl children, women’s rights, women’s health, feminism, and so on. So, I decided to shine a spotlight on men in my workplace because men’s health matters.

I learned that Movember originated in Australia when two friends, Travis Garone and Luke Slattery were inspired by a friend’s mother who was fundraising for breast cancer. They decided to create a similar campaign and in the first year, 30 people grew their mustaches and raised approximately $7000 for the Prostrate Cancer Foundation of Australia.

Since then, the movement has spread to other parts of the world and has raised over 1 billion dollars funding over 1,200 men’s health projects. I am not a fan of mustaches or beards. If there was a way, we could do away with bodily hair. but for this cause bring it on.

You too can participate in (Mo) from November by fundraising, growing a mustache, or encouraging friends and family to join this cause. Every conversation and donation helps create a healthier future and reminds us that men’s health matters as healthier men lead to stronger communities.

I may not have a mustache to grow, but I will be cheering on anyone who is growing one for Movember and beyond!