Movember...it's changed the face of men's health

Perhaps it was because the year 2003 produced no Hollywood glam on facial hair, other than the now Mo-famous, Johnny Depp. Or maybe it was because the two founders of Movember were still stuck in the Super Trooper ‘stache-phase. However it started, there’s no denying that Movember really is changing the face of men’s health, one mustache at a time.

Brief History

Like friends do, Travis Garone and Luke Slattery from Melbourne Australia, started discussing various topics over a pint. It seems the two must have really been pro facial-hair because the conversation lead jokingly to bringing the Mo’ back. So they did. And inspired by a friend’s mother who was fundraising for breast cancer, they decided to make this ‘campaign’ supporting men’s health and most importantly, prostate cancer. They agreed to charge $10 to grow their Mo and soon, with a little marketing and rule making (which are still in place 10 years later) they convinced 30 men to do the challenge with them. And the rest is history.
The next year, in 2004, the decision was made to continue but with more push for a cause – so with an office in someones house they contacted Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA) and they agreed to accept fund, but were not considered an official men’s health partner. And at the end of the year they donated a $54,000 cheque to PCFA – the largest single donation they’d ever received. 
Over the years, Movember continued to reach international levels, making its way officially into Canada in 2007 with the Prostate Cancer Canada organization, in 2011 it was marked an official charity in our country. Today over 20 countries participate in Movember and last year they raised $146.6million – ranking it one of the Top 100 NGO’s (charity) in the world as named by the Global Journal. To put that into context, there is an estimated 5 million Ngo’s around the world. While raising money and most importantly, getting men and woman everywhere talking and changing the face of men’s health, it is quite a success story. 

That being said, we don’t want to interrupt your awareness campaign, but we thought we would touch on a few things that you can take so you can stay healthy all year long.

Take a Multivitamin
It may not be Fred Flinstone shaped and chewable anymore, but taking amultivitamin is still easy, and can go along way to increase nutrients and supplement diet. You want to make sure you pick a multi that is best suited for your lifestyle and your gender (we've come along way since the basic vitamin used for both men and woman). Here is what you should look for. 

Protect your Prostate
Prostate cancer is the second leading cancer cause of death for men. Typically men in their 30-40's rarely get it (but don't rule it out), however the chance increases steadily over 50 - this is why being aware and getting a regular exam over this age is crucial. Common signs of prostate cancer is pain/burning sensation while urinating, frequent urination, a decrease in the amount and force of urine flow, an inability to urinate, blood in the urine, and continuing lower back and pelvic or suprapubic discomfort. We recommend trying these two things. 

Maintaining your Libido 
You've heard the rumours, and sadly the link between testosterone levels and your libido is present. Upping the levels of your testosterone could be the answer, it depends on what works for you. Here is one thing that often gets overlooked.

Stay Stress Free 
Work, family, health, lack of sleep, your team lost… we all stress over different things and in different amounts. We know it's not healthy and if it goes untreated, (which is something Men are known for!) it could snow-ball into something worse. Here is what we suggest you try.

Getting the most from your workout
Gym time… the best part of your day! Just you and your weights... no nagging, no stress! It can also be your social time, we see the interaction with other regulars. If you're the competitive type, maybe you use this time to challenge yourself in strength, endurance and stamina. Whatever your reason, working out is a healthy way to keep fit and ensure life-long health. But there are a few things you can do to ensure you are getting the most out of the time you put in, such as getting a full 7-8 hours of sleep, switching up your routine and try taking one of these.