"Movember": Awareness, Fundraising, Support.

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It's "Movember" 🤎!

Grow a moustache!

(Courtesy of Welldoing.org)

What is "Movember"?

The name "Movember" is a combination of "Moustache" and "November."

It is an annual event led by the Movember Foundation that takes place during November, where men around the world grow moustaches to raise awareness and funds for men's health issues.

While growing a moustache is the most visible aspect of "Movember", its primary purpose is to address and tackle several important men's health issues, including prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health, physical inactivity and suicide prevention.

Male participants are called "Mo Bros" and female ones, "Mo Sisters"!

Why is "Movember" important?

You will be surprised, or not, to know that approximately 60 men take their own lives every hour around the world (rf: Movember foundation). This is a significant statistic that can't be ignored anymore. It therefore becomes important to:

🤎 Raise awareness about critical men's health issues that often go overlooked or stigmatised and "Movember" is to date, the best global platform to do so.

🤎 Raise funds through this campaign, for research and programmes that focus on improving the early detection, diagnosis, treatment, and support for men affected by these health issues.

🤎 Promote conversation and encourage men to talk openly about their health concerns, breaking down the stigma associated with seeking help for physical and mental health problems.

How can you get involved in "Movember"?

To participate in this global movement, simple steps or rules are suggested:

🤎 Grow a Mustache: Men/Women can participate by growing a moustache during November. It becomes a conversation starter, allowing you to explain the purpose of your 'Mo' and encourage discussions about men's health.

💙 Sign up on the official "Movember" website to create your fundraising page. You can participate individually or join a team.

🤎 Fundraise: Encourage friends, family, and colleagues to donate to your "Movember" campaign. These funds will support research and programmes addressing men's health issues mentioned earlier in this post.

💙 Host events: Organise "Movember"-related events, such as charity runs, bike rides, or moustache-themed parties, to raise additional funds and awareness, and encourage others to participate.

🤎 Educate Yourself: Learn more about the specific health issues that "Movember" aims to address. Knowledge is essential for spreading awareness effectively.

Where can you get help?

If you or someone you know is struggling with men's health issues, please do not hesitate to commit to one of the following:

✔️ Reach out to your primary care physician (doctor), urologist, or mental health specialist for guidance, diagnosis, and treatment.

✔️ Many organisations offer support groups for individuals dealing with specific health issues, including cancer and mental health concerns. These groups provide emotional support and valuable information.

✔️ If you're facing mental health challenges, consider contacting a crisis hotline or mental health support organisation like the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline or a local helpline.

✔️ Movember Foundation provides resources and support for men's health issues. You can visit their website for information, tools, and resources.

✔️ Online forums and communities like that of the Cameroonian Doctors in the UK (CamDocUK) can be valuable sources of information and support.

A call for action

🦋 Are you OR would you want to be a "Mo Bro"? - get involved, in your own way and let your voice be heard. Remember that seeking help for your health issues, whether physical or mental, is a sign of strength & courage.

🦋 Are you OR would you want to be a "Mo Sister"? - grow a moustache!

Can't grow one? Grow something else sis', pretty sure you have a good idea of what we are talking about here! 😄

Ladies: let's love, support, care for and look after our men! They can, at times, be as vulnerable (if not more) as us 💞.

🦋 And finally, remember that "Movember" is not just about growing a moustache; it's about creating a positive impact on men's health and well-being.

🦋 In the upcoming weeks, we will publish and share with you content related to Men's health, including prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and some aspects of the mental health problems men face such as depression & anxiety which can ultimately lead to suicide. Become a member of our Settle In community so as not to miss any of these releases!

🦋 Stay tuned and interact with us in the comment section below! We would love to hear from you.

Look after yourself and see you soon!

Dr Vee 💋