Things are starting to get a bit hairy this month. You may notice that a lot of men put down their razors to participate in the mustache movement “Movember.” During the month of November, men grow out their facial hair to raise awareness for men’s health, including issues such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer, poor mental health and physical inactivity.
According to the Movember Foundation, men’s health is in crisis. Men are dying on average four and a half years earlier than women, and for largely preventable reasons.
Since 2003, millions of people have joined the foundation’s efforts to raise more than $650 million to fund over 1,000 health programs. The Movember Foundation is run by a passionate group of individuals, many of whom have been personally touched by men’s health issues and were inspired to do something about it.
Movember began in Australia in 2003, when a couple of friends decided to bring back the mustache as a fashion statement. They quickly realized that they could use this fun and light-hearted initiative to raise awareness about men’s health issues, which often go unaddressed. Since its inception, Movember has grown into a global movement, with millions of participants in countries around the world.
There are now official campaigns in 21 countries, and they have raised more than $450 million to fund over 1,000 men’s health programs. Movember’s focus has expanded to four key men’s health issues: prostate cancer, testicular cancer, poor mental health and physical inactivity. The Movember Movement has seen significant breakthroughs in scientific research and a monumental shift in the conversation around men’s health and the growth of millions of mustaches.
Did you know the mustache has long been a symbol of masculinity and style, dating back thousands of years? Historical records show that men in ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome sported mustaches as a sign of status. Fast forward to the 19th and early 20th centuries, and the mustache became an essential part of a gentleman’s appearance, often seen alongside waxed beards and elaborate grooming routines.
These days from athletes to actors and everyday professionals, more men are embracing facial hair, with the mustache
taking center stage. Perhaps you’ve seen some of your friends and neighbors here in Marple sporting the mo. Several of our Marple Commissioners embrace the look of facial hair, including John Lucas, Rob Fortebuono, Bob Knapp and Joe Rufo. “It’s great to see so many people embrace this classic look,” said Joe Rufo, 1st Ward commissioner. “Even better is that in November, the mustaches and beards have significance as tools for positive change.”
When it comes to his colleagues, clean shaven Ward 5 Commissioner George Downs said he has a bit of mustache envy. “John Lucas has a Hollywood mustache and Hollywood good looks,” he said. “It would take me 10 years to grow a mustache like that!” John, who serves as Marple’s 4th Ward Commissioner has been sporting his mustache since he was 18. “It’s a part of me and I 
don’t feel like myself without it,” he said. “I accidentally shaved it once and that did not go over well with my family!”
Marple Township Ward 3 Commissioner, Rob Fortebuono, offered his encouragement to men of Marple, not yet sporting
facial hair, to get started this month. And not just because “men with mustaches are perceived to be more attractive, even when it’s the character of the man that is the lasting memory.” And with that encouragement, Fortebuono suggests all men “not take their health for granted, particularly this month when reminded with every mustache they see during Movember.”
If you’ve been thinking of growing a mustache, now is the perfect time. Of course, Movember is more than just a month of mustaches; it’s a movement that challenges societal norms, raises awareness about critical health issues, and fosters a sense of community among participants. As November approaches, consider how you can get involved.
Want to get involved but can’t grow the “Mo”?
There are a number of ways for you to participate! The folks at the Movember Foundation suggest the following ways to raise money and awareness:
Move for Mental Health – Run or walk 60 miles over the month. That’s 60 miles for the 60 men we lose to suicide each hour, every hour across the world.
Host a Movember Party – Get your favorite people around for a good time – and a good cause.
Do Movember Your Way – You call the shots. Bring your fundraising vision to life, and if you think it helps men’s health, the Movember Foundation is 100% behind you.
Are you in? If so, be sure to send us a photo of your Movember Mustache and tell us how you helped raise money and awareness for this very important cause. Send your story and your photos to HStupak@BestVersionMedia.com. For more information on the Movember Foundation and to sign up to participate, visit their website, US.Movember.com.
Let’s Grow the Mo!