We hear the term Movember, and we associate it with growing a moustache, but what is the commemoration for? We asked Google and got this answer:
“In the month of November, you may see more men donning mustaches than usual. It’s all part of an initiative called Movember, in support of men’s health. Movember is a charity helping raise money for various aspects of men’s health, including mental health and suicide prevention, testicular cancer, and prostate cancer. As part of the Movember movement, men across the globe grow mustaches to raise awareness and spark conversations about the cause.”
Time to Grow a Moustache
There are a lot of really good people working at AMS and we care about their health. The intention of Movember is to encourage people to wear a moustache (Mo) in November and while doing so, look into the symptoms of prostate and testicular cancer, adopt a healthier lifestyle if needed, get tested if needed, and if depression is an issue, seek help. We want you well and strong and with us for a long time.
According to Wikipedia, the goal of Movember is to “Change the face of men’s health. By encouraging men (whom the charity refers to as “Mo Bros”) to get involved, Movember aims to increase early cancer detection, diagnosis and effective treatments, and ultimately reduce the number of preventable deaths. Besides annual check-ups, the Movember Foundation encourages men to be aware of family history of cancer and to adopt a healthier lifestyle. Using the moustache as the driving symbol of the movement, Movember focuses on the three key areas of prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and mental health and suicide prevention.”
Male Reproductive Cancers
We went to the Mayo Clinic website for some information on prostate cancer and here is the [LINK] to their information. We will give readers a brief quote and encourage a visit to the website. “Prostate cancer is cancer that occurs in the prostate. The prostate is a small walnut-shaped gland in males that produces the seminal fluid that nourishes and transports sperm. Prostate cancer that’s detected early — when it’s still confined to the prostate gland — has the best chance for successful treatment.”
The Mayo Clinic also gives beneficial information on testicular cancer and we encourage a visit to the website for information on the symptoms [LINK]. “Testicular cancer is highly treatable, even when it spreads to other parts of the body. Treatments depend on the type of testicular cancer that you have and how far it has spread. Common treatments include surgery and chemotherapy.”
The Movember Organization
From the Movember website we find out who started it all: “Movember is the only global charity focused solely on men’s health. The Foundation raises funds to deliver innovative, breakthrough research and support programs that enable men to live happier, healthier, and longer lives. Awareness and fundraising activities are run year-round by the Foundation, with the annual Movember campaign being globally recognized for its fun, disruptive approach to fundraising and getting men to take action for their health.
“During Movember, men are challenged to grow a moustache, and men and women can be physically active and move or host a fundraising event. Not only do these commitments raise vital funds, they also generate powerful and often life-changing conversations.”
Learning about the Movember organization is a real pleasure and we encourage a visit [LINK]. Under “Men’s Health” we find the following:
Men will die on average 4.5 years earlier than women and for reasons that are largely preventable, which means that it doesn’t have to be that way. Here’s five ways you can give yourself the best chance at living a healthy and long life.
# Spend time with people who make you feel good
# Talk more (be there for someone)
# Know the numbers (get a PSA test)
# Know what’s normal (do your self-checks)
# Move more (add more activity to your day)
Depression and Suicide Prevention
We have talked about prostate and testicular cancer, and we will conclude with some information on the prevention of depression and suicide. On the mental health page [LINK] we find information on what the Movember organization is doing.
“Globally, on average, one man dies by suicide every minute of every day. In the US, the rate of male suicide is alarmingly high: approximately 4 in 5 suicides are men. With the help of Movember, five community-based coalitions are working with either men and boys of color, or military service members, veterans, and their families, in rural and urban communities throughout the United States. This work involves connecting with men and boys in places where they spend time, through activities that they enjoy. Key to the initiative is helping men and boys cope with trauma and stress by strengthening social connections.”
Our Message to Men
We hope you decide to look into the information on men’s reproductive cancers and make sure you are doing well. We also encourage learning how to self-check for cancer and if depression is an issue, call and get some help. If you work at AMS, call HR and get connected with the free employee assistance program – it covers employees and their families who need mental health services. Plus, AMS is bringing awareness to Mens Health by celebrating Movember as well. The following quote is from Samantha, ESG Program Manager: [EMAIL] “In support of our donation to the non-profit organization ‘Movember’, we are calling all Employee Mo Bros and Mo Sisters – to send me a pic of their mustache, which will be displayed on our TV screens and socials throughout the month of November.”
“’Movember’ makes a difference in mental health and suicide prevention, prostate cancer, and testicular cancer. Our donation and your pictures contribute to and bring awareness to help save a father, a brother, a son, a friend, a partner, a man’s life.”
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AMS Fulfillment is a Certified B Corporation, dedicated to People and Planet before Profit. We work to B the Change we wish to see in the world.
