Twenty years ago we saw the beginning of a movement in support of men’s health, especially prostate cancer, advanced and popularized by men growing a mustache during November. The campaign was called Movember. Perhaps some of our readers remember Movember and growing a mustache in support of men’s health.
Today we don’t find many men growing the symbolic mustache, but we do find the Movember website, which is very informative with regard to men’s health. An alternative also exists. According to the American Cancer Fund, the campaign is also called “No-shave November” during which men let their beards grow as well.
Whatever the campaign is called, whether it’s the mustache or beard that grows, we support a focus on men’s health any time of the year. Here’s what Awareness Days has to say about it:
“Movember originated in Australia in 2003 when a group of friends decided to grow mustaches to raise awareness about prostate cancer and depression in men. It has since evolved into a global movement with millions of participants and supporters. Movember has funded numerous men’s health projects and initiatives and has become a symbol of solidarity and awareness.
“Over the years, Movember has contributed to significant advancements in men’s health research and has encouraged men to take charge of their well-being.”
There are a lot of wonderful men at AMS Fulfillment, and we want them to live long and in good health. We’re all familiar with the pink ribbon and breast cancer awareness. The pink ribbon has been a very successful advocacy symbol, but not so for the Movember mustache. Not nearly enough is said about men’s health and the main causes of cancer in men. We hope to make up for that, at least a little, by giving the men a signal… It’s your month!!! We care about You too!!
Here are some of the not so good facts about men’s health. Men seek medical care less frequently than women, including both preventative and sick visits. The reasons might range from wanting to ‘tough it out’ to feeling like he can’t take time from work. Women outlive men by five years, and the reluctance to see a doctor is likely a contributor to that statistic.
The following is from Wikipedia: “Besides annual check-ups, the Movember Foundation encourages men to be aware of family history of cancer and to adopt a healthier lifestyle. Using the mustache as the driving symbol of the movement, Movember focuses on the three key areas of prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and mental health and suicide prevention. Since inception, the Movember Foundation has raised $837 million and funded over 1,200 projects in more than 20 countries.”
The focus of both Movember and No-Shave November is to encourage men to give more attention to their health. Go ahead and ask your doctor about the prostate cancer test if you’re over 50, or if you have African ancestry have the test after age 40, as your risk is higher. Often, early prostate cancer causes no issues or symptoms – so it’s important to check in with your doctor even if you’re feeling fine. As in breast cancer for women, early detection is key.
The Movember website is an excellent resource on men’s health, and we encourage a visit [HERE]. There is also some very good information on prostate health, prostate cancer, testicular cancer and mental health at the Weill Cornell Medicine website [HERE].
AMS Fulfillment is a great place to work when it comes to healthcare coverage. Go ahead, make that appointment and get checked out. We’ve got you covered. Also, for anyone who is experiencing anxiety and/or depression, we have an Employee Assistance Program wherein employees and family members can get free counseling and help. Contact your AMS HR representative for more about EAP.
Let’s make the mustache as significant as the pink ribbon and support men’s health. AMS has made our donation to Movember.com and we invite you to join us!! And one more thing… mustaches and beards can be really good looking. Just sayin’ …