ROSSALL’S MOVEMBER CAMPAIGN - ‘CHANGING THE FACE OF MEN’S HEALTH’
This week has seen a few reported sightings of what appear to be the early stages of the Walrus, the Dali, the Hulkster, and the classic Handlebar! OH NO, MOUSTACHES! Visitors to the school might notice a number of individuals who are considerably less hirsute than usual at the moment, with more moustaches likely to sprout on upper lips as the month progresses. Movember is upon us!
Movember is the one time of year when growing of dubious facial fuzz is actively encouraged, all in the name of a good cause. But Movember is about more than moustaches. It’s a global annual event that involves, amongst other things, the growing of a moustache to raise awareness and funds for men’s health, including testicular cancer, prostate cancer, mental health, and suicide prevention. It encourages all of us, and not just men, to look after our bodies and minds, and to check in on one another. When we talk about men’s and women’s health, we’re really talking about one thing: paying attention to ourselves. Whether it’s noticing a lump, a change in how we feel, or simply realising we’re stressed or anxious, the earlier we speak up, the better. For a long time, many men have believed they should ‘just get on with it’, to stay silent about pain or worry. But being strong doesn’t mean being silent. It means being smart enough to look after yourself and brave enough to ask for help. My message this week is not just for men. Everyone needs to take care of their health and support others in doing the same.
I am writing from experience, as nearly 15 years ago, in the spring of 2011, I noticed something not quite right. I was not in any pain, and I thought and hoped that it was nothing. But after a spate of worrying, I eventually relented, did the right thing, and went to see the doctor. It was then that I got the news that it was something, that it was testicular cancer. Thankfully, because I had caught it early, I had treatment and made a full recovery, being given the all-clear in 2017. Even so, this was a very sobering time for me, and it is something that has often been on my mind: what if I hadn’t spoken to friends and family? What if I hadn’t relented and sought advice from the doctor? Knowing that men will die on average 4.5 years earlier than women, often for preventable reasons, I want to share with you five common-sense and straightforward ways to give yourself the best chance at living a healthier, longer life:
For the gents, to use the words of the Movember campaign: Know thy nuts! Check your pair, know what feels right for you, and not.
For everyone, your friends are important, and spending time with them is beneficial for you. Check in with them regularly!
You might not consider yourself an expert, but being there for someone, listening, and giving your time can be life-saving.
Add more activity to your day, get your steps up, cycle, or walk where you can, rather than jumping in the car.
Know the numbers: testicular cancer is the most common cancer in young men aged 15–45, over 2400 cases are diagnosed annually. However, it is also one of the most curable when treated early, with a survival rate of around 96%. Movember’s slogan is ‘Changing the face of men’s health.’ But really, it’s about changing how we think about health altogether, being open, proactive, and kind to ourselves and others.
So, if you do happen to notice the slew of slightly ridiculous moustache-wearers this month, it is not just a new Rossall fashion, it’s a tangible reminder to take health seriously and to talk about it. Our goal is to work together to make this Movember about awareness, courage, and compassion. If you would like to donate to the Rossall team, you can visit our page at the link or by using the QR code. Thank you!
To donate to Monvember, please click here.
- Mr. David Clark, Director of Professional Development & Head of History & Politics
