It’s November, and all around we see men with freshly shaven faces study and cheer on their facial hair growth, waiting for it to turn into a spectacular ‘stache. If you’re still unsure of what Movember is all about, we’re answering the What, Who, How and Why of this special month:
What?
During Movember, men across the globe start the month clean-shaven and grow their moustaches for 30 days encouraging friends, family and colleagues to join in and donate to their Mo-growing efforts.
The movement started in 2003 when a group of about 30 Australian men grew their moustaches for a bit of a giggle. This gained popularity year on year and quickly turned into a global phenomenon. Raising awareness and vital funds for the biggest issues in men’s health namely prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and mental health and suicide prevention, the Movember Foundation is the only global foundation focusing solely on Men’s health. Since its inception in 2003, the Movember Foundation has raised millions to help fund more than 1,000 programs that tackle these issues worldwide.
Who?
Anyone, anywhere can support the cause. This campaign is not for men alone. Women can also show their support this month by acting as ambassadors to help spread the word about men’s health.
How?
Both women and men can partake in MOVE for Movember. Throughout this month, men and women are encouraged to move every single day of the month – making that 30 moves for 30 days. No move is too big or too small; your move could be a brisk walk or a full workout, whatever suits you. The great thing about this initiative is that it encourages women to become proactive about this cause and not leave it all to the men. In addition to this, women can inspire the men in their lives to MOVE too and take control of their physical and mental well-being.
Start by setting a challenging goal, and move towards it by running, walking, cycling or swimming towards it. You can ride solo or in a team, it doesn’t matter as long as you are having fun, improving your health and raising funds along the way.
And of course one of the more common ways to participate this month is for the men to grow a moustache. Not only do these activities raise much needed funds, they also generate powerful and life-changing conversations.
Why?
The charity says that men are facing a health crisis that isn’t being spoken about. Men die on average six years earlier than women. But a small effort from each and every one of you can help make a difference and lower this startling stat.
MOVE for Movember is a way of doing double good – for yourself and for men’s health. When it comes to health, too many men don’t talk or take the necessary action. We’re here to change that. We want men to live healthier, happier lives. To help change the face of men’s health, funds raised will help to deliver innovative, ground-breaking research and support programs that enable men to live better. These awareness and fundraising activities are run year-round by the Foundation, with the annual Movember campaign being globally recognized for its entertaining, disruptive approach to fundraising and getting men and women alike to take action for their health. Prostate and testicular cancer are considered the two most common cancers among men, while around one in four adults suffers from a mental health issue.
”According to The World Health Organization, an estimated 510,000 men die each year due to suicide and the number of prostate cancer diagnoses worldwide is expected to double to 1.7 million by 2030.”
It’s time to join the movement. Get involved with the only global charity focused solely on men’s health, the Movember Foundation. Quiksilver is a major partner of Movember. A portion of the proceeds from any Quiksilver/Movember product will be donated to the Men’s Foundation.
What are you waiting for? Grow a Mo, save a bro.
Sign up and make a difference at www.za.movember.com.
