It's that time of year again, folks! Each year, Movember is responsible for the suspicious sprouting of many moustaches and beards across the world, all aimed at raising vital awareness and funds to change the face of men's health! Men's health is a topic that is often neglected, even by men themselves, but by taking part in Movember, you can help change this and help make a difference in a man's life.
Where can I sign up, you may be asking? Well, we're going to tell you, but first let's talk a little bit about what Movember actually means, and how you can get involved (even if you don't fancy the idea of banning your razor and letting your stubble run amok)!
The Movember Foundation is where it's all at. You can visit their website at www.movember.com, where you will find answers to every possible question you might have. Movember is a charity this is taking a stand for men's health, addressing some of the main health issues faced by men; namely prostate and testicular cancer, as well as mental health and suicide prevention.
Those involved in the Movember Foundation believe that our fathers, brothers, sons and friends are losing their lives too soon and that we can all play a part in changing that. The Movember Foundation operate without any official government funding, and, in their own words, "know how to find and fund the most innovative research to have both a global and local impact". In short, they'll fund research and projects to help men to tackle health issues that are sometimes swept under the carpet, until it's too late.
So, enough about that, let's talk about what you can actually do! It's fun, we promise.
Grow your Mo!
Now, you wouldn't think your facial hair would make such a difference, would you? Well, it does! All you have to do is sign up to grow your mo, start the month clean shaven, and then throw caution to the wind and get growing! And the more mos the better. Get the men in your life involved in the growing frenzy, and get fundraising in your family, local community and workplace. You can even dye your mo for an extra quid if that's what floats your boat!
Move for Movember!
If itchy, unkempt stubble isn't your thing, how about making a move instead? Moving is free and easy, it gets you fit, and you can stay clean shaven into the bargain! Set a goal that challenges you - maybe you will want to run or cycle a long distance, do a parachute jump or sign up for a triathlon, and then get on with doing it, either by yourself or in a team. For some, the goal will be to have fun while doing something good for mankind, while those of you who are more competitive might fancy teaming up and taking on the office next door.
Be the Hostess with the Mostess!
So, the scruffy beard and moustache look isn't for you, and you're more apathetic than athletic? That's fine; we have a solution for you too! Why not just host an event to raise funds and awareness, and do your bit to stop men dying before their time? Whether it's a coffee morning, a karaoke sing-off, a golf tournament, dinner party or poker competition, there's always a way to satisfy your own interests and raise money at the same time. Sign up on the Movember website, plan your event and get fundraising; no matter who or where you are, you can make a difference for men's health.
If we've turned you on to the idea of getting involved in the upcoming Movember event, delay no longer. Log onto the Movember Foundation website to take the next step towards your charitable goal and help raise awareness of Men's Health.
Dr Seth Rankin is founder of London Doctors Clinic