Movember is Almost Here… What it is and Why We Do It

“Men’s health.” To many of us, the term might seem oxymoronic. There are some things a lot of us men would just as soon not address – the need to update our wardrobes, preparation for a visit from the in-laws, going to our significant other’s friend’s dog’s birthday party, and of course, men’s health issues. Topics relating to prostate and testicular cancers, as well as men’s mental health, are frequently swept under the rug, or worse, people lack awareness of them in the first place. The Movember Foundation is trying to change that, and they’re gaining momentum every year

What Is Movember?

For those who aren’t yet up to speed on what Movember actually is, we’ll provide a quick primer. Started in the early 2000s in Australia, Movember is a movement that encourages participants to grow out their mustaches for the month of November to help boost public awareness of men’s health issues and raise funding for programs directed at cancer research and awareness efforts. According to the official website, “The Movember Foundation is the leading global organization committed to changing the face of men’s health.”  Participants are encouraged to register with the official Movember website and form fundraising teams.  Here, Movember participants can show off their mo’s and compete with other teams in fundraising battles.  Of course, just growing out a mustache and telling others why you’re doing it contributes to the cause as well, and everyone is encouraged to contribute in whatever way(s) they can.

Why Do We Do It?

Really, once finding out about Movember and its efforts to heighten awareness of men’s health issues, it’s hard not to support it in one way or another – whether that means making a donation or simply growing out the gnarliest ‘stache one can muster. The Movember Foundation is perhaps the most widely known men’s health awareness foundation in operation and has the potential to improve the quality of life for countless men over the coming years.

Part of our company culture at +AK Material Handling Systems is our commitment to giving back to the community, and there are few better ways of doing so than to show our support for a foundation such as Movember. Who knew simply growing out a mustache could help save so many lives? At AK, we have a great time growing out our ‘staches and getting creative with our facial hair and encourage anyone and everyone to join us in spreading the word by whatever means available. Nothing beats having fun and contributing to an important cause at the same time.