Beard it up for men’s health
Ladies and gentlemen, it’s that time of the year again when we put our razors down and embrace the wild and free spirit of “No Shave November.” This uniquely cherished month has been a part of our lives for the past two decades, and it’s a journey worth experiencing.
The story of “Movember,” short for “Moustache November,” all began in 2003 with the humble desire of two Australian men who simply wanted to grow moustaches. Their idea gradually evolved, and a year later, Travis Garone and Luke Slattery decided to take it a step further by starting a fundraiser that would involve not only those with moustaches but everyone who wanted to join in on the fun.
With passion and determination, Garone and Slattery successfully raised an impressive $40,851, all through their newly established nonprofit organization, the Movember Foundation. This money went to support the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia, marking the beginning of a movement that has since spread far and wide. It’s incredible how a simple idea can grow into a meaningful and impactful tradition.
In 2005, the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA) made a pivotal move by stepping in as the official sponsor of this meaningful initiative. It marked a turning point in the journey of this movement that started as a simple desire to grow moustaches.
Desire to grow moustaches
The spirit of Movember then embarked on an international journey, making its way to the US and several other countries in 2007. The Movember Foundation found a powerful ally in the Prostate Cancer Foundation in the US, and together, they continued to champion the cause of men’s health.
But it’s not just a cause for men alone. Women, too, have embraced this movement, demonstrating their support in unique ways. They grow out their hair or choose to skip shaving their legs or armpits, standing in solidarity with the men in their lives.
Nonprofits like Movember and No-Shave November have taken the lead in addressing crucial men’s health issues, creating awareness, and providing essential resources funded by their charitable efforts. Their impact has reached far and wide, evolving into a global movement over the years.
Frequently diagnosed cancer
Globally, prostate cancer ranks as the second most frequently diagnosed cancer among men, with the highest mortality rates in Asia and Africa. In Kenya, prostate cancer takes the lead as the most common cancer among males, accounting for 17.3 percent of all male cancers and 10.2 percent of all other cancers in the country. While testicular cancer is less common and has lower numbers and prevalence rates, these initiatives continue to shed light on the importance of early detection and prevention in the fight against these diseases.
The issue of suicide among men has undeniably emerged as a significant concern, with suicide rates among men being four times higher than those among women. These sobering statistics have prompted the formation of organizations dedicated to addressing the unique challenges faced by men in our societies.
Movember and No Shave November, though distinct in their approach, share a common purpose—to champion important causes. As stated on the homepage of no-shave.org, “No-Shave November is a month-long journey during which participants refrain from shaving and grooming to initiate conversations and raise awareness about cancer.”
Their fundamental concept for achieving these noble goals revolves around embracing our hair, a simple yet powerful act, as many cancer patients lose theirs during treatment. Participants are encouraged to redirect the money they would typically spend on shaving and grooming to support cancer prevention education, save lives, and aid those in the midst of their battle.
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Advocates of men’s health
Since 2009, the No-Shavers have rallied together to raise over $12 million for cancer awareness, research, and prevention. These funds have been channeled to various nonprofit organizations tirelessly working to combat cancer.
Movember, originally synonymous with moustaches, has evolved into a pivotal player in the realm of men’s health. Their primary focus extends to prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and suicide prevention within the sphere of men’s mental health. Since its inception, the foundation has successfully raised over $1.3 billion for men’s health causes, dispersing these funds across the 21 countries in which they operate.
In 2022, the foundation proudly amassed $128.2 million from its diverse fundraisers and generous donors. Subsequently, they allocated $77.1 million, constituting 60 percent of the total collections, into their key investment areas, encompassing biomedical research and survivorship for prostate and testicular cancer, men’s health, suicide prevention, and men’s health promotion, including awareness and education.
With the gradual rise in awareness of these critical issues, coupled with technological advancements and a robust digital presence, these campaigns and initiatives have garnered immense popularity among people worldwide. Individuals have wholeheartedly embraced and supported these causes, leading to widespread recognition and support over the past few decades.
In the realm of self-care and grooming, a recent study has unveiled a fascinating shift: men are dedicating more time to their personal upkeep compared to women. This surprising trend comes as a reflection of changing dynamics in our modern world.
Additional grooming
According to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics report for 2023, men invest approximately 710 minutes each day in self-care. That translates to around 11.83 hours daily, ensuring every aspect of their appearance is immaculate and meticulously tended to.
In contrast, women allocate about 704.6 minutes to their grooming and self-care routines, resulting in roughly 11.73 hours daily.
When individuals were asked about their thoughts on this intriguing study, a range of opinions emerged. Some concurred with the idea of dedicating extra time to their grooming, while the majority contested the notion of taking longer than women.
One respondent expressed, “I believe that self-care is crucial. Having a beard, in particular, demands additional grooming time because it requires patience and attention.”
Conversely, another individual remarked, “The growth of my beard hasn’t extended my grooming time. I simply consider it as an integral part of my face.”
Nonetheless, this revelation shouldn’t come as a profound shock, considering that the 21st century has witnessed men embracing and prioritizing their overall presentation and well-being.
Many men now possess an array of skincare products, including shampoos and conditioners tailored for their beards. Some even venture into the realms of hair growth and braiding. These practices require a significant investment of time, especially for those deeply committed to their personal upkeep and style. It’s a testament to the evolving standards of male grooming and self-care in our contemporary world.
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