The month of the moustache has arrived
Ross Chernin, (second from right) the Man of Movember 2015, with other category winners.
(CNS Local Life): As part of a month-long focus on male health issues, Tuesday, 1 November officially kicks off the annual Movember charity event where Cayman’s men are encouraged to grow moustaches to raise money and awareness. In particular, the emphasis will be on prostate cancer, testicular cancer and mental health issues such as depression and suicide.
The men taking part will be approaching family, friends and co-workers for sponsorship for growing a moustache. Known as “MO Bros”, these volunteers start clean-shaven and have the month to grow their moustaches
At the end of Movember, those taking part will attend the grand finale party where they will come dressed up to complement their moustaches and compete to win prizes in different categories. Judges will decide who has the best moustache and be crowned the “Man of Movember 2016”.
Throughout the month, Movember Cayman will disseminate health information to keep men informed about the targeted issues. Movember spokesman Mark Robson said of the campaign, “Men are notoriously poor at addressing health issues both for themselves and with each other and if we can help break down some of the stigmas and barriers to this then so much the better.
“Men need to take control of their health as too many are dying as a result of ignoring symptoms.”
He added that the poor state of men’s health can be attributed to such things as lack of awareness and understanding about the health issues they face, men not openly discussing their health and how they’re feeling, reluctance to take action when not feeling physically or mentally well, engaging in risky activities that threaten their health, and stigmas surrounding both physical and mental health.
Other events planned for the month include the Lions Club of Grand Cayman holding an information night 17 November, at the Lions Centre, where doctors will provide up-to-date health material and offer free blood testing for prostate cancer.
In addition, Cancer Treatment Centers of America is partnering with organisers to take the health message into the workplace with a series of one-hour lectures to large companies in Grand Cayman.
Over the 11 years Movember has been taking place in Cayman, more than $500,000 has been raised for the Cayman Islands Cancer Society. This money is used to provide free testing for prostate cancer and help men suffering with cancer with those medical fees not covered by insurance. In addition, the campaign has contributed $100,000 to the new chemotherapy unit at the Cayman Islands Hospital.
Opening night registration is taking place at Craft Food & Beverage Co, where men can join by paying a fee and picking up their Movember T-shirt.
For more information on Movember go to its website and Facebook page
Category: Medical and Health
