Artigenda
Start of Movember
When: Annually, November 1 - November 30.
Every year, Movember begins on 1 November and during this month, attention is drawn to men’s health and individuals who may be affected by the diseases that take centre stage during this month. The month focuses on raising awareness and fighting prostate cancer and testicular cancer. In addition, the month is for mental health and suicide prevention. Movember encourages everyone to grow a moustache, a mo, during this month in support of these actions/month.
Origin
The official definition on the website of Movember doesn’t make sense. Yes, this month is about diseases that affect men. But the the definition is broader. Think for a moment about persons. It makes more sense to shed some light about the origins about the day.
The origin of the day can be traced back to a group of friends from the Australian city of Melbourne. They decided that the moustache (mo) was hip again and that money should be raised for charity. In 2004, the Movember Foundation was established. Since then, the campaign has gained prominence, worldwide. Also in the Netherlands.
Key areas
Movember focuses on four key areas: prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health and suicide prevention. Each of these areas represents a significant health issue.
Prostate cancer
Movember aims to raise awareness about prostate cancer and raise funds for research into the disease and its treatment.
testicular cancer
This form of cancer is less common. Movember mainly aims to reach people between the ages of 15 and 35, as this group is the hardest hit. Education plays an important role here, in addition to seeking timely medical help.
Mental health
Mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety, should not be underestimated. They are not always recognised or treated. Movember promotes open conversations about mental health and supports programmes that help with this.
Suicide prevention
Suicide or suicide is a tragic and sometimes preventable cause of death. Movember works to reduce the incidence of suicide. This is possible by raising awareness and providing support.
How Movember works
Actually it works very simply: grow a moustache as a symbol of commitment. You do this from a clean-shaven situation. You can also raise money for charity or explain to others why this month is important. You can also cycle or walk sixty kilometres. This number equals the sixty men who die by suicide approximately every hour worldwide.
Impact of Movember
Since its inception, Movember has made significant progress in improving men’s health. Funds raised during Movember are invested in a wide range of programmes and initiatives focused on research, education and support. Some of Movember’s key achievements include:
Research and innovation
Movember has invested millions of dollars in prostate and testicular cancer research, leading to new treatments and improved survival rates for men with these diseases.
Mental health programmes
Movember supports numerous programmes aimed at improving men’s mental health. These programmes provide counselling, support and education to help men cope with stress, anxiety and depression.
Awareness and education
Movember has helped raise awareness of men’s health issues through educational campaigns and initiatives. This has led to a greater willingness among men to talk about their health and seek help when needed.
Participating in Movember
Participating in Movember is possible by:
Growing a moustache
The easiest way to participate in Movember is to grow a moustache. Start the month clean-shaven and grow your moustache while raising money and starting conversations about the health issues Movember supports.
Participate in the Move
If you cannot or do not want to grow a moustache, you can participate in Move, an initiative where participants are encouraged to walk or run 60 kilometres during the month of November.
Organise a Mo-ment
Organise an event or gathering to raise money and awareness. This can range from a sporting event to a dinner or party.
Donate
If you cannot participate in any of the above activities, you can always donate to the Movember Foundation to support their efforts.
More than just a moustache
Movember is more than just growing a moustache. It is a global movement dedicated to health. By participating in Movember, we can all contribute to raising awareness.
