Movember
What is Movember?
For nearly 20 years, Movember has been a time to raise awareness and funds for men's health issues - specifically prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health, and suicide prevention - throughout the month of November.
Some people choose to grow their mustaches to raise awareness and spark conversation about men’s health (hence the mustache motif), but there are lots of ways to get involved!
Follow us this month to learn more about what Movember means and how to support the well-being of the men in your life.
Why men's health?
The average life expectancy for men in the United States is almost 5 years less than women, and 12.1% of men 18 years and over are in fair or poor health. The reasons for this are complex and include:
- Lack of awareness and understanding of the health issues men face
- Men not openly discussing their health and how they’re feeling
- Reluctance to take action when men don’t feel physically or mentally well
- Men engaging in risky activities that threaten their health
- Stigmas surrounding mental health
- Men are 24% less likely than women to have visited a doctor within the past year
Source: Movember©
How can you get involved?
According to the Movember team, here are the top 5 things to know and do:
- Spend time with people who make you feel good. Stay connected. Catch up regularly, check-in, and make time.
- Talk more. You don't need to be an expert and you don't have to be the sole solution, but being there for someone, listening, and giving your time can be life-saving.
- Know the numbers. At 50, talk to your doctor about prostate cancer and what screenings are right for you. Some people may need to have this conversation sooner. Know your numbers, know your risk, and talk to your doctor.
- Know thy nuts. Simple. Get to know what's normal for your testicles, check them regularly, and go to the doctor if something doesn't feel right.
- Move more. Add more activity to your day. Do more of what makes you feel good. Take a walking meeting, Park further away. Take the stairs. Try a WellCats class.
"Mo Your Own Way" Photo Contest
We’ll be looking for mustaches in the wild from November 13th - 17th!
Get out the ‘stache cam and submit a photo of your team’s best mustache display. Submissions will be judged on creativity, uniqueness, and enthusiasm. We can’t wait to see where they turn up!
Mustache Meet-Up @ the Arch
Join us in blue for a group photo at the Arch!
Meet us at the Trauth-Huffman Hall Arch on November 14 at 11:15 a.m. for a group photo in BLUE.
Grow your own mustache, or wear one of ours! Props and prizes provided. More details to come.
Resources
TrueNTH
TrueNTH (True North) is a global initiative, led by the Movember Foundation, seeking to significantly improve the lives and experiences of men with prostate cancer, as well as the experience of their partners, carers, and family members by tackling critical areas of prostate cancer care.
Prevention Institute - Making Connections Backpack
The Making Connections Backpack is a resource library for those engaged in building a gendered and community-level approach to improving mental well-being among men and boys. The Backpack offers tools to shape your journey and connect with others engaged in or supporting similar upstream prevention work.