I am fully aware that this is a women’s health website, set to empower women. However, many of us women have men. Men who can be less likely to go to the doctor when they are sick, get regular check ups, or even take care of themselves as well without us!
Us coordinated women have organized many events to help improve the health of women all around the world — Susan G. Komen to help fight breast cancer, being the most popular. It seems like in general, women’s health events trump over men’s.
I don’t know how many of you have heard, but November, often referred to as “Movember,” has been set aside for the men! Movember is a time when the men around the globe grow out their mustache, or “mo,” to help raise funds and awareness for prostate cancer. Men are expected to be clean-shaven when the month begins, and allow the 'stache to run wild until at least the end of the month.
Throughout the month, as people start to notice your man growing out his 'stache, they may ask him what it’s all about — a perfect opportunity to share about the values of Movember. Essentially, the goal is to have your man be a walking billboard for men’s health.
Prostate cancer is serious business. According to the American Cancer Society, this year about 240,890 new cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed and 33,720 men will die from it.
I know I’m not the only one that has at least one family member who has been diagnosed with prostate cancer. Just behind lung cancer, prostate cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in men, with the lives of 1 in 36 men being claimed from this cancer. In fact, 1 in 6 men will be diagnosed during his lifetime.
Movember is a fairly new health event. The Movember campaign began in Austraila in 2003. Since then, it has grown into a global movement with countries literally all around the world participating. Last year, in the United States alone, Mo bros and Mo sistas raised $7.5 million USD!
Encourage your man to register for free here. There he can create a profile and receive donations.
And don’t think that this has to be boring! Get creative!
Last year, my good friend raised $2400 by setting up an event at his restaurant. By getting local stores to donate prizes, he was able to create a raffle that everyone wanted in on. A party with a band, raffle prizes and of course, a Movember moustache contest, was a sure hit!
Get involved this year! And let’s make last years winnings look like pocket change!
If your man is over 50, it is especially important to begin screening. Talk to your doctor to find out more.
So help your man get into the Movember spirit and share Movember values and cheer with fellow Mo boys and girls.
Happy Movember!
Sources:
Cancer Society. (n.d.). Detailed Guide. American Cancer Society :: Information and Resources for Cancer: Breast, Colon, Prostate, Lung and Other Forms. Retrieved November 7, 2011, from http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/ProstateCancer/DetailedGuide
Movember- Face Grown & Hand Brushed. (n.d.). Movember. Retrieved November 7, 2011, from http://us.movember.com/about
Reviewed November 9, 2011
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith