Movember: Everything You Need to Know

With Movember around the corner, it’s time men started growing their ‘stache once again. We love everything related to good causes, and owing to this phenomenal event, all men are encouraged to wear nature’s very own billboard by rocking all manners of moustaches — from the chevron to the classic handlebar, the Dali, and yes, even the Fu Manchu.
What is Movember?
Nobody would’ve thought that a silly conversation over a few beers in Melbourne, Australia to bring back the moustache — would spark up a trend (and brand) that has become nothing short of an institution. Now, a decade later, more than 5 million so-called Mo Bros (and Mo Sistas, too!) across the world are giving their support to Movember, embracing it in full.
The beautiful thing about Movember is not just full-facial hair men; it’s the cause behind it. "The Movember Foundation is a global charity committed to men living happier, healthier, and longer lives". What Movember has contributed is millions of men across 21 countries have joining this men’s health movement. In the process, around $650 million has been raised and more than 1,000 programs focusing on men’s health issues founded. The issues tackled are concerned with testicular cancer, prostate cancer, poor mental health, leaky gut syndrome and physical inactivity.
Who is participant in MOVE?
Movember has gained such popularity that men from all social and economic milieus are joining; MDs and specialists around the globe have offered their expert opinion and examination contributing to the cause and helping fellow men get healthier, happier and physically more productive. The idea is to encourage men to take care of themselves through series of little procedures and treatments, whether they’d be of cosmetic origin or solid health significance. The point is to raise awareness about early prevention of potential issues through regular examinations as well as helping heal those issues in case they’re present.
The new MOVE movement
With so much talk about men fashion all through 2015 and 2016, Movember’s idea is to place emphasis on men’s physical wellbeing and encourage men worldwide to prioritize their health over everything else.
This year, Movember Foundation has men challenged to grow a moustache and women to support the campaign, with addition of a 30-day fitness challenge. Participants of both sexes are invited to be more active while still raising awareness and funds for men’s health.
How to Movember?
For 30 days, make growing a moustache your priority. To show support, sign up at Movember.com and choose to "Grow, Give or MOVE."
The idea is to start the MOVE "race" clean shaven and grow your facial hair (i.e. mustache) for the month. Obviously, some men will just continue growing in their already bushy faces but the idea is to start fresh shaven from the start.
A healthy lifestyle and everything that has to do with it is star-orientation of MOVE through a series of campaigns and conversations. The point is to spark up a dialogue that would raise awareness and vital funds and make men’s health a priority, not a side-concern.
Who can Movember?
Both men and women can (and should) participate, as there is no facial hair discrimination when it comes to Movember; naturally, ladies aren’t expected to grow a moustache (unless they want to). Everyone can join and commit to the MOVE fitness challenge. After signing up, engage your family, friends, and colleagues to donate. Go an extra mile and talk to everyone you know (i.e. people you are close with) about the importance of MOVEmber and try to get them to join. If you know any doctors that would be willing to go freelance for the cause, that would be great! Your efforts have the potential to change the face of men’s health — all it takes is good will, a moustache or a MOVE, and we’re good to go!
　
Peter is a men's grooming and health writer at The Beard Mag & High Style Life magazines, living between UK and Australia. Beside writing he worked as a grooming consultant for many fashion events around UK & Australia too! Follow Peter on Twitter for more men’s grooming tips.