If you think you’re seeing more men with beards and moustaches during the month of November, you’re not imagining things.
Since 2003, every November is also Movember, the month when men grow beards and ‘staches to raise funds for projects in the areas of men’s mental health, suicide prevention, prostate and testicular cancers.
You don’t have to be a man to participate—the movement that started with 30 men in Australia in 2003 has grown to 5,232,625 “Mo Bros” and “Mo Sistas” worldwide in 2016. As of 2015, the movement has raised $710 million and funded 1,200 men’s health projects.
And—good news, ladies—you don’t have to grow facial hair to raise funds. All you have to do is move. Set a distance goal that challenges you, and then walk, run, cycle, swim or row toward it as a solo or a team. It’s about having fun and raising funds. Distance is not the goal. If, however, you are a man who decides to grow out that facial hair during the month, you can always have it tamed by a licensed barber.
Reaching out is one of the most important things men can do for their health. Here are three to think about:
Make time for your friends. Stay connected. Your friends are important and spending time with them is good for you.
Have open conversations. You don’t need to be an expert, but being there for someone, listening and giving your time can be life-saving. If you feel like you need professional help, consider talking to a professional licensed by the Board of Behavioral Sciences or the California State Board of Psychology.
Know the numbers. At 50, talk to your doctor about prostate cancer and whether it’s right for you to have a PSA test. Know your numbers, know your risk; make sure your doctor is licensed by the Medical Board of California.
The Movember website has a list of ways you can join in or support the group’s efforts. Sound interesting? Check out this 30-second Movember PSA below:
