Now in its 11th year the Movember Foundation Charity started in Australia and New Zealand with a prime ambition of raising awareness and funds for men’s health issues such as prostate cancer, mental health issues and general well-being. The name was created when the founding members decided to grow moustaches throughout November and literally just added the two words together. In 2007 the word had spread across the globe and reached amongst other countries Canada, Denmark, Spain, Israel and the UK. Since its humble beginnings in Melbourne, the Movember Foundation has raised a staggering $174 million dollars worldwide.
The foundation’s aim is simple: ‘We seek to make a global contribution to men living happier, healthier, longer lives. This ambition underpins everything we do. It is the driving force behind our campaigns, funding strategy, and vision for the future.’ Details of the UK branch of the foundation can be found here https://uk.movember.com/.
Their focus is fundamentally concentrated in four health areas, Prostate Cancer, Testicular Cancer, Poor Mental Health and Physical Activity, as recent studies into men’s health have highlighted some staggering results:
- The World Health Organisation estimates that 510,000 men die from suicide globally each year – a terrifying fact when you do the maths and realise that’s one every second.
- Prostate Cancer is the second most common cancer in men worldwide, with a prediction of this doubling to 1.7 million cases in 2030.
So what does all this mean and how can you get help or get involved?
The main fund raising event for men is to simply for them to grow their facial hair for the full 30 days of November, raising funds as they go. But you don’t have to grow a moustache to raise funds and awareness; there are plenty of planned events throughout the month of November where not only men but women too can participate to offer support for the men folk in their lives. There are competitions, such as the Network Challenge competition where industries go ‘moustache to moustache’ to earn these coveted annual awards. You can also get some vital top tips on how to groom and keep your newly acquired facial hair in check! Find out more by visiting their website.
This year a new challenge of moving for 30 days is also something you can sign up for. It doesn’t matter how big or small your activity is, your activity counts. You can post your moves on your fundraising page and get others involved in moving with you too!
The website also has some great information and advice about how to stay fit and healthy and why moving is so important for your health. Physical inactivity means you could suffer in the long term from weight and health issues which could result in you depending on a Mobility Scooter. There is also a wealth of information about Prostate and Testicular Cancer which you may find useful.
And for the gaming gadget lovers amongst you why not download the free game on your phone or mobile device? It’s free to download but as you progress through the levels you may tempted to buy some superpowers to help you conquer all with the donations going to help raise funds.
Remember it is vital that if you recognise any changes in your health, no matter how small or insignificant they are, you must seek medical advice and make an appointment with your GP.