Movember Raising Awareness

Here is a blurb I found at the Movember site that explains really well why I grow a Mo every year in the month now known as Movember.  This cause has special ties to me and my family and my belief is that it has a link to pretty much every family, once you look deep enough.  So have a read on what Movember is trying to achieve and what they have achieved and either donate by sponsoring me, or talk to your family and doctor about your health, especially you men.
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Movember’s first campaign objective is to raise the awareness and understanding of men’s health issues, specifically prostate cancer and depression.

We want everyone to know that men over the age of 50, and those over 40 with a family history, are at risk of prostate cancer and encourage them to be tested annually.  Prostate cancer is curable if detected and treated early, however, there are normally no early symptoms underpinning the necessity of regular screening.

1 in 8 men in Australia will experience depression in their lifetime. Depression is an illness, not a weakness and there is no shame in seeking help – just the same as you would for a physical health problem. Effective treatments are available and with the right treatment, most people recover from depression.

We also want to remove the stigma associated with men experiencing depression and have everyone understand that it is an illness that they can talk about, and for which they should seek help.

Movember’s awareness campaign aims to increase the understanding of the health issues faced by men, facilitate early detection and diagnosis which then allows for effective treatment. This will ultimately reduce the number of deaths from prostate cancer and suicide.

Over the past couple of years Movember has carried out research with our registered Mo Bros, Sistas and donors. The research is conducted by Deakin University and is one of the key ways in which we track the efficacy of our awareness campaign. It is our intention to continue with this research going forward in order to assess and report back on the progress being made from one year to the next.

The 2008 findings revealed the extent to which participants are listening and acting on the men’s health messages they receive.

The latest research produced some extremely encouraging statistics concerning the changing behaviour of Mo Bros. As the statistics below highlight, as a result of Movember, men are beginning to change their attitudes and habits relating to their health.

– 82% of Mo Bros (or approx 102,188) talked about men’s health with friends, family or work colleagues
– 55% of Mo Bros  (or approx 68,541) did some of their own research into the causes Movember supports
– 13%  (or approx 16,200) sought medical advice
– 38%  (or approx 47,355) encouraged someone else to seek medical advice

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Matt with Super Scot John Dillon
Matt with Super Scot John Dillon

Cheers,
Matt

Day 17

Well I have been great at keeping this blog up to date haven’t I?…NOT!

I found a video of the MoBro salute…

To sponsor me click here

I will put a photo up here in the next day or so.

Cheers,
Matt

Movember 2009

Movember logo
Citizen of Movember - click on the image to donate

I am at it again, growing a moustache this year for Movember.  I have decided to put down my razor for one month (November) and help raise awareness and funds for men’s health – specifically prostate cancer and depression in men.

What many people don’t appreciate is that close to 3,000 men die of prostate cancer each year in Australia and one in eight men will experience depression in their lifetimemany of whom don’t seek help.  Facts like these convince me every year to get involved and I am hoping that you will support me.

To sponsor my Mo, you can either:

  • Click this link http://au.movember.com/mospace/109083/ and donate online using your credit card or PayPal account
  • Write a cheque payable to ‘Movember Foundation’, referencing my Registration Number 109083 and mailing it to: Movember Foundation, PO Box 292, Prahran, VIC, 3181
  • See me in person to check out my MO and pay cash (I have donation forms and receipts)

Remember, all donations over $2 are tax deductible.

Movember is now in its sixth year and, to date, has achieved some pretty amazing results by working alongside The Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCFA) and beyondblue: the national depression initiative. Check out further details at: http://au.movemberfoundation.com/research-and-programs.

If you are interested in following the progress of my Mo, click here http://au.movember.com/mospace/109083/. Also, http://au.movember.com has heaps of useful information.

So on the second morning of the Laser Skirmish Battle Weekend I will be clean shaving before we get underway.  I will update this blog as often as possible with pictures and I encourage you to get involved and either sponsor me or join up yourself as either a Mo Bro or Mo Sista.

Then on to growing the MO, now just to choose a style.  Take a look at this style guide and let me know which one I should go for.  Lachlan and I have already had a think and I am leaning towards the Wispy or Abrakadabra.  Let me know your thoughts.

Thank you,

Matt Struthers
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