by TRAVIS GERLACH, CSU Public Relations Intern

You might have heard your friends talk about no shave November. Joking about growing a Mo in high school or in the dorms. But the no shave November event goes way back to the early 2000s with the founders of Movember. 

‘Our fathers, partners, brothers, and friends are facing a health crisis, yet it’s rarely talked about. Men are dying too young. We can’t afford to stay silent.’

– Movember.com

Born “over a few beers in Australia,” Movember – with its focus on the moustache as its trademark icon – is now the largest men’s health movement on the globe.

The monthly campaign takes something that is almost taboo to talk about, not. The goal is to make men’s health – everything from prostate and testicular cancer to suicide – a subject that everyone can feel comfortable to talk about and raise awareness and funds of men’s health issues.

Since 2003 Movember has funded more than 1,250 men’s health projects around the world, challenging the status quo, shaking up men’s health research and transforming the way health services reach and support men.

‘We exist to help men live happier, healthier, longer lives – this is what drives every single one of our 1,250 men’s health projects. In everything we do, we strive to be transparent and accountable. We report thoroughly on each project so that our Mo Bros and Mo Sistas can see how their support is changing the lives of men around the world.’

– Movember.com

Movember has five health tips that all men should know!

• Spend Time With People Who Make You Feel Good. Stay connected. Your friends are important and spending time with them is good for you. Catch up regularly, check-in and make time
• Talk, More. You don’t need to be an expert and you don’t have to be the sole solution, but being there for someone, listening and giving your time can be life-saving
• Know The Numbers. At 50, talk to your doctor about prostate cancer and whether it’s right for you to have a PSA test.
• Know Thy Nuts. Simple. Get to know what’s normal for your testicles. Give them a check regularly and go to the doctor if something doesn’t feel right.
• Move, More. Add more activity to your day. Do more of what makes you feel good.

You don’t just have to be a guy to join the movement. Along with growing a mustache, you can also pledge to Move – walk or run 60 miles by the end of November – which signifies the 60 men we lose to suicide each hour. 

It’s easy for you to join in on the movement. But there’s so much more to talk about then what we can fit in this article. You can visit Movember and set up your own fundraising goal if you’d like to participate. Also, you can learn more about what Movember is all about and the amazing things they can accomplish.