Get your ‘mo’ on for men’s health this Movember

POLOKWANE – The month of November is also called ‘Movember’ in reference to Men’s Health Awareness Month.

Although famous as a month for men growing cool moustaches, it is about more than that.

Movember is a movement aimed at raising awareness about the importance of men’s health. International Men’s Health Awareness Day falls on November 19 and thus the entire month is dedicated to bringing awareness to a wide range of men’s health issues including testicular cancer, prostate cancer, mental health and suicide prevention.

Men’s health is represented by light blue awareness ribbons and the main purpose during this month is to raise money which will be donated towards the causes that the movement supports.

The history of Movember is set on a global stage, where in 2003, friends Travis Garone and Luke Slattery from Australia came up with the idea. At the time, the moustache wasn’t on fashion trends lists however, the duo found 30 guys that were willing to take up the challenge.

Today, the movement has funded over 1 320 men’s health projects around the world, South Africa included.

If you decide partake in the Movember movement next year by growing a moustache, here’s what you need to keep in mind:

• Start on a clean slate. You start the month with a clean shave.

• Although you can trim, you’re then not allowed to shave off your moustache for the whole of November.

• You’re not allowed to have a beard; you’re only permitted a moustache.

• Use your new moustache to start a conversation and raise awareness for men’s health.

• Register yourself over at movember.com and get your family and friend to sponsor you as you’ll be raising funds for prostate cancer, testicular cancer, male mental health and suicide prevention.

• Remember, there’s a difference between Movember and No-shave November, which doesn’t allow any razor to touch your face before December 1.