Changing faces

So, the American presidential election is over and done. From my perspective, it was a nail biter and I’m not even an American citizen. Why do Canadians, like me, even care what happens south of the border? We share a long, long border and lots of history but, watching televised election shenanigans in the U.S. is the best/worst kind of reality television. Personally, I find their two-party electoral college system confusing and wonder if it’s just a bit constricting. I’m partial to our multi-party freefor- all. What’s with those popular votes, electoral college votes, blue banners, red banners, Democrats, Republicans, swing states and mud slinging? Oh my. But, it’s done. No binders were harmed in the election of Barack Obama.

And here we are. It’s November. Many of us have put the last of the lawn furniture away, covered the barbecue, raked up the leaves and put the winter tires on the Rolls-canhardly. It’s time to have a bit of fun and raise some cash for a very worthy cause. November brings out the upper-lip-grizzlies on many of the men we know and love. November has become the month to get your Mo on. And, even if the only women who can grow a mustache are post-menopausal gals like me, it’s a good thing to get involved in fundraising to support men’s health initiatives (including mental health) and, most especially, prostate cancer. In 2007, the Movember Foundation events found their way to Canada and Canadians embraced Movember as if they were born to it. Movember began in 2004 in Australia and New Zealand and since that time, men have been clear-cutting their facial slate on the 31st of October then growing or regrowing a MoStache as an outward demonstration of their support of men who have been afflicted with various forms of “downunder” cancers.

Of all the types of cancer, prostate is the most common in Canadian men. The good news is, it can be easily detected and cured or, at least, managed with success. The risk factors for “south of the border” cancer makes a long list, starting with age. It should be enough to deal with retirement, fixed income, thinning hair and age-related jokes, but the risk of prostate cancer increases dramatically after the age of 50. Ain’t that just too nifty. If your family has a history of prostate cancer, add that to the risk list. And, if you’re a dairy loving, meat-a-tarian, you move up to the top of the risk list. Ah Movember! The good news is Movember events and activities (including the growing of the “stache”) makes a guy think about improving his health, visit his doctor for a physical and do a bit of research into the cause and prevention of men’s health issues.

So, if you know a fella with a bit of peach fuzz growing north of his upper lip, talk to him about “the changing face of men’s health” and consider making a donation to the Movember Foundation. In Wellington, the great MoHandy Staff at Home Hardware would be delighted to take your donation.

theresa@wellingtontimes.ca