November 1, 2010

Moustaches – The Pink Ribbon for Prostate Cancer

 Grow a moustache in November to raise awareness of men’s health

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Damon T. Arnold is partnering this November with Movember, to raise awareness of men’s health issues, including prostate cancer.

The idea for Movember started in Melbourne, Australia in 2004. The plan was to bring back the moustache, as a bit of a joke, and do something for men’s health. The guys behind the Mo (slang for moustache) realized the potential a moustache had in generating conversations about men’s health.

Participating in Movember is simple, register at www.movember.com and start November 1 clean-shaven, and then grow a moustache for the entire month.  The moustache becomes the ribbon for men’s health and helps raise awareness for cancers and other health issues that affect men.

“Men are less likely than women to seek medical care and are nearly half as likely as women to pursue preventive health visits or undergo screening tests,” said Dr. Arnold. “But if we can raise awareness about the importance of routine check-ups and screenings, especially in such a visible way as growing a moustache, hopefully we can improve the health of men all over.”

“We are thrilled that Dr. Arnold will support and participate in the Movember campaign by growing a moustache this November,” said Adam Garone, CEO and Co-Founder of Movember. “As a prostate cancer survivor, he knows firsthand the importance of generating awareness about preventative screenings, and the moustache is the perfect vehicle to prompt a conversation about men's health.  We encourage men across Illinois to visit www.movember.com to sign-up and join Dr. Arnold in growing a moustache this Movember.”

In 1900, women lived, on average, two years longer than men. By the late 1970s, the gap in life expectancy widened to 7.8 years. Although this gap has narrowed, the life expectancy of men in the United States is still 5.1 years shorter than that of women.

The number one cause of death in men is heart disease, followed by cancer (lung, prostate and colorectal).

Some of the things men should talk with their doctor about include:

• Prostate health
• Obesity
• High cholesterol
• High blood pressure
• Colorectal cancer
• Recommended screenings

Eating a healthy diet, regular exercise and keeping up with exams and screenings are some of the things men can do to live longer, healthier lives.

For more information on men’s health, log onto www.idph.state.il.us/menshealth/tips.htm. For information on the Movember campaign, log onto www.movember.com.