If you’ve stopped by the shop this month you might have noticed that we’re looking rather scruffy and maybe a little un-kept in the facial hair department, especially Lars, our lead woodworker, but he had an early start. I’m pleased to say it’s for a good cause.
Movember is an annual global campaign, which involves the growing of mustaches by men during the month of November. By growing these substandard mustaches and beards people are going to ask why. The why is to raise awareness for men's health; originally it was just to raise awareness for cancers specific to men i.e. testicular and prostate cancer. But it now includes men’s mental health and suicide prevention.
To me, this campaign means a lot because my dad was diagnosed with prostate cancer at a young age and even though he's undergone surgery and radiation, he is still dealing with the effects of the treatments on his body. Being that prostate cancer is hereditary and also extremely more common in firefighters I will take this more seriously to be tested and checked than those not affected.
The other half of this topic for Movember is mental and physical health. Twenty-two veterans commit suicide each day, as do sixty males nationwide. Being a Veteran and a Firefighter, I have seen the negative side effects of both of these jobs and I have struggled with some of the calls I have responded to personally.
Talking with someone and finding constructive ways to deal with that stress goes a long way in improving your overall physical and mental health.
Lastly exercising can release natural endorphins and reduce stress. healthy and better versions of ourselves is important for our self-care but also for our loved ones.. So I'm committing to not only grow out this filthy stash but by partaking in the 60-mile challenge and I will be running sixty miles in the month of November to raise awareness for men's health and for Movember.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention, and crisis for you and your loved ones. The website is https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org and the number is 1-8000-273-8255.