Local centres:
Movember
Movember is an annual, month-long celebration of the moustache, highlighting men's health issues, specifically prostate cancer and depression in men.
Mo Bros, supported by their Mo Sistas, start Movember (November 1st) clean shaven and then have the remainder of the month to grow and groom their moustache. During Movember, each Mo Bro effectively becomes a walking billboard for men's health and, via their Mo, raises essential funds and awareness for Movember's men's health partners - the Cancer Society and the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand.
Since starting in Australia in 2003, Movember has continued to grow each year, both in terms of participation numbers and funds raised.
Movember funded projects
With the Movember funds it has received the Cancer Society has undertaken a wide variety of projects.
Funds were allocated to Dr Justin Keogh and Dr Daniel Shepherd, School of Sport and Recreation, AUT University, Auckland to explore how to best get men with prostate cancer into an exercise programme and to stay in it. Men on hormone treatment for prostate cancer lose some muscle strength and bone density and exercise may be the answer to this.
The Society contributed funding to the RADAR prostate cancer trial being undertaken by Associate Professor David Lamb. This funding is to allow him to continue his study into how long to use hormone replacement therapy in prostate cancer, and whether the side effects of treatment (osteoporosis) could be reduced by the use of bone-hardening drugs (bisphosphonates).
In addition the Society launched a Men's Health Challenge - Te Mātātaki Hauora Tāne on Father's Day, aimed at encouraging men - especially those over 50 - to be more proactive about their health. Men are challenged to ‘tick' their risk factors on a scorecard and make an appointment to see a health professional if they have ticked two or more risks.
Regional initiatives include promotion at field days in Manawatu and Otago, a workplace based men's health programme piloted in Wellington and raising awareness of a healthy lifestyle at men's clubs in Gisborne.
How you can get involved
- Grow a mo this Movember and help change the face of men's health. Visit the Movember website and register.
- Support someone who is growing a mo. Visit the Movember website and make a donation.
More information
Mens Health Challenge and cancer information
