Well, November is almost here, and you know what that means.
Thanksgiving, cooler temperatures, football, and a sudden increase in mustaches that probably should’ve stayed in the 1980s.
Some guys will look like Tom Selleck. Others will look like they lost a bet.
But before you start questioning your coworker’s new facial hair choices, there’s actually a pretty important reason behind it.
Welcome to Movember.
Every November, men around the world grow mustaches to raise awareness and funds for men’s health, particularly prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health, and suicide prevention.
And while the mustaches can be entertaining, the issues behind them are anything but.
Why Men’s Health Needs More Attention
Let’s be honest. Men aren’t always great at taking care of themselves.
We’ll ignore a nagging injury for six months, put off a doctor’s appointment because we’re “too busy,” and convince ourselves that whatever is bothering us will eventually go away.
And when it comes to mental health?
Well, a lot of men have spent their entire lives being told to toughen up, figure it out, and keep moving.
The problem is that being tough and being healthy aren’t always the same thing.
Men can struggle with depression, anxiety, stress, loneliness, and emotional exhaustion while appearing completely fine to everyone around them.
And sometimes, the people who seem to have everything under control are the ones having the hardest time asking for help.
That’s one of the reasons Movember exists. To get men talking about things they might otherwise keep to themselves.
It’s About More Than Mental Health
Movember also brings attention to two important men’s health concerns.
Prostate cancer: One of the most common cancers among men. Understanding your personal risk, family history, and when to discuss screening with your healthcare provider matters. Screening decisions aren’t one-size-fits-all.
Testicular cancer: More commonly diagnosed in younger and middle-aged men. Knowing what’s normal for your body and speaking with a healthcare provider about a new lump, swelling, or other changes can make a difference.
And then there’s mental health and suicide prevention, which deserve just as much attention.
Too often, men wait until something becomes unbearable before they say anything.
We need to change that.
Three Things You Can Do This November
1. Check in on the men in your life.
Not just the usual “How’s it going?” followed by “Good, you?”
Actually ask.
How are things at home? How’s work? Are you doing okay?
And if someone opens up, listen. You don’t have to immediately fix everything.
2. Stop putting off your own health.
Schedule the appointment you’ve been avoiding. Ask questions about your family history. Get appropriate preventive care and screenings.
Being proactive about your health isn’t weakness. It’s responsibility.
3. Make it okay to talk about the hard stuff.
Whether you’re a father, husband, brother, friend, coworker, or leader, the way you respond when someone opens up matters.
You don’t have to have all the answers. Sometimes simply making someone feel comfortable enough to talk is a pretty big deal.
And if you’re struggling yourself, reaching out to someone you trust or a mental health professional is a worthwhile step.
So What’s With the Mustache?
The mustache is a conversation starter.
Someone walks into work looking like they auditioned for a 1970s police drama, and naturally, somebody asks what’s going on.
That’s the opportunity.
To explain Movember. To talk about men’s health. To remind someone that taking care of themselves matters.
And in senior living, where we’re surrounded by people who spend their days caring for others, that reminder is especially important.
We spend so much time making sure our residents, families, and coworkers are okay that we sometimes forget to ask ourselves the same question.
You cannot spend your entire life taking care of everyone else while ignoring your own health.
So whether you’re growing a mustache, supporting someone who is, or simply having a conversation you might not have had otherwise, take a little time this November to focus on men’s health.
Because behind every questionable mustache is an opportunity to talk about something that actually matters.
And gentlemen, if your mustache looks absolutely terrible by Thanksgiving, just tell everyone it’s for a good cause.
Because this time, it really is.
