Movember 2018: What you need to know …
Here’s what you need to know about Movember, the rules and what you can do to help.
Stop men dying too young. Sign up to raise funds and awareness for all the dads, brothers, sons and friends in your life.
This is the message from Garron Gsell, chief executive and founder of the Men’s Foundation, which grows and grooms the Movember campaign in South Africa under license from the Movember Foundation.
Movember is the global charity tackling prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health and suicide prevention.
“Guys facing prostate cancer and testicular cancer face an uphill battle, before, during and after treatment. Too many men are unaware of the health risks they face. We’re giving men the tools they need to live life, and live it well,” Gsell said.
Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in young men. A recent survey of 1 000 men by Gilette revealed that only 44 per cent of men aged 18 to 40 have ever checked themselves for testicular cancer.
The research also found that nearly half don’t know what symptoms to watch out for when it comes to prostate cancer. Of those surveyed, 19 per cent couldn’t identify a single warning sign of prostate cancer – one of the leading cancers for men.
“There is a long way to go before men are fully engaged with key issues relating to their health. This means funding research into prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health and suicide prevention. It also means equipping men with the facts and information so that they can take action on their health,” he said.
He added that the Men’s Foundation aims to reduce the number of men dying prematurely by 25 per cent by 2030.
Across the world, men die an average six years younger than women, and for reasons that are largely preventable. Men are also at a higher risk of suicide, with 14 men dying from suicide every day in South Africa alone.
Gsell believed that funding for men’s health in South Africa requires continued destigmatisation through the media and the public at large, as well as prioritisation.
“The reality is that government funding primarily focuses on women, children and the elderly, leaving a lot to be desired for South African men from disadvantaged communities, who are left to rely on the private and NGO sector for help.”
Movember wants Mo Bros and Mo Sistas throughout the world to do what they do best – growing Mo’s. Mo-ving throughout the month. Hosting Mo-ments. Sign up to raise funds and awareness at www.movember.com. All past Mo Bro’s and Mo Sistas need to re-register.
The Rules
No matter how you’re doing Movember, get yourself going on the right foot.
• Growing a Mo? Get it Right – No matter the shape or style of your Mo this Movember, your face can inspire donations, conversations and real change. There are only a few rules in Movember, but they’re vital.
Rule 1: Start clean-shaven on Movember 1st.
Rule 2: No beards, no goatees. We’re all about the Mo.
Set your sights on a Mo style. Are you confident you can outdo Hulk Hogan himself? Or shooting for a modest Wisp? Your moustache is your hairy billboard for the month of Movember, so get a little creative. Sacrifice a beard, dye your Mo, auction it off to the highest donor: the more eyes on your Mo, the better.
• Move – Commit to walking or running 60 kilometres during the month. That’s 60 kilometres for the 60 men we lose to suicide each hour.
• Host – Raise funds by doing what you already get a kick out of. Get your friends together for a Mo-ment.
To sign up or get more Movember tips, visit https://www.movember.com or download the Movember app on your mobile device. Follow Movember on social media: @MovemberRSA on Twitter, or Facebook/MovemberSouthAfrica.
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at randfonteinherald@caxton.co.za (please remember to include your contact details in the email) or phone us on 011 693 3671.
Www free daily local news on the West Rand, also visit our sister newspaper websites
Remember to visit our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages to let your voice be heard!
One Comment