Current Events
Drop the Razor…Movember is Here!
“Normally I don’t even shave in November,” said the guy I’m dating. “What do you mean you don’t shave in November?” I asked, super confused.
After he continued to explain, I realized that apparently I don’t know much about men. Over the last 25 years I’ve been mainly influenced and surrounded by women my entire life, and over the past 4 months while dating this wonderful man, I’ve gotten to learn something new about men each day. Like for instance, that today, November 1st marks the first day of Movember.
What’s Movember some of you ladies might ask (maybe even some gentlemen)? Movember is something like Pink October, it’s a month dedicated to spread men’s health awareness, particularly against prostate cancer and other cancers that affect men. During this month, males in solidarity let their moustaches grow. (It’s kind of a funny way of doing it, if you ask me, but who am I to judge.)
Although this movement is not as popular as Pink October, National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it is just as important. The idea originated back in 2003, in Australia, but now Mo Bros and Mo Sistas (as the supporters are dubbed) nationwide are also taking a stand in support of the campaign.
So as I take a look around me in this coffee shop, I wonder how many of them here know about Movember? Did the man next to me shave the night before to start the race and let the hairiness begin today? Was the girl to my right supporting her brother, father or boyfriend as he vowed to ditch the razor for rest of the month? I don’t know, but currently five men here are already proudly showcasing a full moustache, and about three look like they could potentially grow one in the next 29 days.
Ladies if you’re reading this, inform the men in your life to let their nose neighbor grow, it might be a visual eye sore (for some) during the rest of the month, but I bet it’s less painful than prostate cancer.
Sure I might not know too much about male activities, but what I do know is that many men do not pay enough attention to their health, or anything else besides sports, beer and sex for that matter. So together we need to do our part and get on our men’s case to get tested.
Currently one in six men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer, while one in 36 will die of the disease, according to WebMD. Several factors trigger the disease but early detection can help lower these numbers. And although, many medical sites suggest males get screened at 50, others will also advise to start as early as 40, if your family has had a history of prostate cancer.
So guys as silly as it may sound, put down the blade! Let your ‘stache thrive and pay attention to your health! I personally admire a man with facial hair and I’m sure plenty more women do too.
The Movember Foundation encourages men to join the cause and enroll themselves at where they can seek donations from family, friends and corporations, while allowing their Fu Manchu to grow. All proceeds are then used to increase awareness and support the Prostate Cancer Foundation and LIVESTRONG, the Lance Armstrong Foundation.
Afraid your company won’t allow some facial hair? Your employer can join the madness too and allow the men at your workplace to skip the daily shaving routine (that many of you detest anyway), all for the greater cause.
Today other groups are following along with Movember’s notion and creating NoveBEARD. I saw it today on The Hangover’s Facebook page (yes, as in the movie). Their page hopes their followers will try and grow the most fascinating beard like Alan’s character from the Wolfpack, and although they are just doing it as a marketing gimmick, those males who can’t grow a ‘stache should join in and spread awareness for the real cause.
Not fully convinced? Take a look at some admired and famous figures sporting the moustachio. And after you’re done, send me your pictures; I want to see your moustache!
If you take a poll the ladies will tell you there something about Johnny Depp that makes them go wild, perhaps it’s his moustache.