Although mustaches can be seen year-round, November is notorious for growing out a little facial fur. Growing out a ‘stache in November is about more than just style, though; it’s about supporting men’s health worldwide.
Movember initially started as a challenge between 30 friends in Australia but has grown into a global movement with over 6 million participants and has funded over 1,320 men’s health projects worldwide. It focuses on three of the biggest health issues affecting men: mental health and suicide prevention, prostate cancer, and testicular cancer.
So, how does growing out a mustache help address those issues? Participants fundraise throughout November while growing and grooming their ‘stache and using the power of the mustache to create conversations around men’s health. Those funds support projects like the IRONMAN Project, which assists with understanding how to manage advanced prostate cancer better, the GAP5 Testicular Cancer Research Project, or Movember Conversations, a program to help guide individuals on how to have a conversation with someone who is struggling with a mental health challenge.
There are more ways to support Movember than growing a mustache, though! Move for Mental Health is a challenge to run or walk 60 miles in November to remember the 60 men lost to suicide globally every hour. It also encourages men to get up, move, and think about taking their health into their own hands.
Even though the Movember challenges happen one month out of the year, the goal of supporting men’s health and wellness goes beyond November!
Brian is the Sr. HR Generalist for Vitality Group. Brian enjoys spending his time golfing, camping, or hanging out at the park with his dog Seamus.
