This picture belongs to Mathew Brady [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
It’s that time of year again. Bring out your trimmers and your moustache wax, boys. It’s Movember.
Held in November, Movember is a month to give a new face to men’s health. More specifically, it’s a call to action. For 30 days, participants will grow and maintain a well-trimmed moustache. Participants will also be asked to help spread awareness about men’s health issues including, but not limited to, testicular and prostate cancer and mental health issues. Through Movember, an important cause is given a conversation inspiring, and stylish, face.
Beginning November 1st, participants will be asked to shave and begin the month completely clean shaven. Participants are to grow only a moustache- no goatees or beards allowed. Throughout the month, participants will need to maintain and trim their moustache. If you’re lucky, you may just end up with a sweet, handlebar moustache by the end of the month. Participants are urged to behave “like gentlemen” and help inspire dialogue about men’s health issues. If you’re interested, you can register at movember.com.
So not everyone is lucky enough to be gifted with the ability to grow a sweet moustache. For those of you who are deprived of the ability to sprout a caterpillar above your lips, never fear. If you can’t grow a moustache, you can do your part by spreading awareness of men’s health issues during Movember. Women can sign up through the Movember website as so called Mo Sistas and can do everything male participants can- from forming groups to fundraising- even if they’re unable to grow a moustache.
Anyone can donate to the Movember foundation. Visitors to the Movember website will have the option of donating to teams or individuals who are fundraising for Movember or can donate directly to the organization. You can donate right here at http://www.movember.com/donate.
All throughout Movember, there are parties and events going on. Throughout the month, participants can sign up in various 5k runs in honor of men’s health. You can find a list of participating cities and dates at http://www.movember.com/events/view-event-type/type/running, along with specific running event information.
On the first of the month is the “Shave the Date” event, where moustache growing participants will go completely clean-shaven, starting with a clean slate for the rest of the month. Many individuals groups around the country will be hosting kick-off parties. You can search for individual dates by name and location here at http://www.movember.com/events/.
And at the end of the month, it’s time to party after 30 days of taming the moustache. All around the country, various cities will be hosting Galas. Each Mo Bro or Mo Sista can get together and showcase their achievements. Tickets run from 10 to 20 dollars each, depending on the event. If participants fundraise, they can expect the possibility of earning free tickets- raising one hundred dollars will earn a participant one free ticket. If one raises two hundred dollars, they can earn another free ticket, perfect for a friend.
At these Galas, participants are expected to dress up and showcase their moustache growing efforts. Participants can expect to win a variety of awards, including “Ultimate Mo”, for participants who are able to grow an especially impressive moustache or “Mo Bro and Mo Sista”, for well-dressed couples.
Many celebrities have gotten involved with Movember in the past, including Ashton Kutcher and Stephen Fry. As awareness grows about Movember, expect more celebrities, and more of your neighbors and friends to participate as well.
Companies such as Amazon, Discovery Channel, and Wheaties have thrown their support behind the cause.
Donations for Movember contribute towards prostate cancer, testicular cancer and mental health awareness programs. Movember funds biomedical, translational, clinical, health services, and education programs related to ensuring men and boys have access to these important medical procedures.
Movember hopes to eradicate the stigma associated with male health concerns and ensure that those suffering from testicular or prostate cancer or mental health issues can not only be aware of medical resources in their areas but be sure they’ll receive adequate care and up to date information about treatment options.
With more media attention focused on Movember and men’s health, the hope of the organization is that more men will be aware of the options available to them.
So, as October draws to an end and November, or should we say Movember, edges closer, it’s time to break out the razor and grow a sweet moustache for men’s health awareness.