Beards are getting longer, lips are sporting pretty moustaches... Movember is back. Every November , men are invited to grow a moustache - and not just to combat the winter chill! Behind this unusual hair event lies a charitable cause.
Like Pink October, Movember is a month dedicated to raising awareness of serious illnesses. More specifically, the event aims to raise funds and awareness for diseases that affect men, such as prostate and testicular cancer, as well as mental health and the fight against suicide.
Created in 2003 by a group of Australians, the movement quickly gained momentum: today, stars such as David Becham, Brad Pitt and Will Smith post their freshly grown moustaches on social networks, to spread the word about this organization to as many people as possible. In France, the first Movember took place in 2012.
But what exactly happens during Movember? A few rules govern this event: participants must shave their entire face at the beginning of the month, then let their moustache grow. The mustache must not be connected to the sideburns, and must not meet the chin.
Interested parties can register on the site and become a MoBro. Regularly throughout the month, they will then post a photo of themselves on social networks, so that people can admire the evolution of their facial hair. These photos are used to encourage other Internet users to make donations to charities. On its website, Movember also states that the money raised helps fund " groundbreaking projects in mental health, suicide prevention and prostate and testicular cancer treatment - 1,250 projects to date."
Those who don't want to post on social networks can take part in Move: a sporting event open to all, encouraging us to walk or run 60 km during the month. A distance chosen in reference to the 60 men who commit suicide every hour worldwide, according to WHO statistics. Other challenges are also proposed to raise funds in a fun way.
Taking care of your health as a man
To stay in good health for longer, doctors recommend having your blood pressure checked once a year from the age of 40. Cancer screening for men begins at the age of 50: your GP can carry it out, or refer you to the appropriate health professionals.
By 2021, 347,429 men and women from 20 different countries had signed up for Movember. They raised 77.7 million euros. Are you ready to take up the challenge?
