We’ve seen them, the scruffy-faced gents who seem to have lost their razors lately. One week into the 11th month of the year, their bristly stubble is beginning to show. The aim is to achieve something epic in 30 days, or as epic as nature allows for each manly individual. No-Shave November — also Movember, for mustache growers — has begun. Five o’clock shadows, beards and mustaches are all the rage.
What some may not know is that November’s woolly focus was established to bring attention to men’s health issues. Jeremy Fears has known that for some time. He works at the Frank P. Phillips Y in downtown Columbus and grows out his facial hair every November. This year, he convinced some others at the Y to join him.
“I’ve grown a beard every year I could; I guess I was a freshman in college the first time,” said the 25-year-old. His mother faced breast cancer, so he has a heightened awareness about prevention and early detection of cancers. He found receptive ears in Y member Sidney Runnels, especially since November is also Prostate Cancer Awareness Month.
Runnels survived prostate cancer several years ago, and is a crusader in challenging every man to get at least annual checkups.
“My exam, my exam, my exam saved me,” he said.
High risk in Mississippi
The impact of prostate and testicular cancer is substantial, with prostate cancer being the second most common cancer in men worldwide. In 2015, an estimated 220,800 men in America alone will be diagnosed, according to the Movember Foundation. The global charity is committed to men’s health, particularly with work in prostate and testicular cancer and mental health initiatives.
Mississippi has a particularly high rate of incidence — the second highest prostate cancer death rate in the country, cites a PR Newswire Report, based on 2012 data from the North American Association of Central Cancer Registries, National Cancer Institute and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Obesity and medical distrust contribute to high rates in Mississippi’s men, as does the increased risk among African-American populations.
Runnels was diagnosed in 2009 while living in Gautier. The cancer was discovered at a very early stage, thanks to his habitual annual checkups.
“I was very fortunate. I had always had a physical every year, and when it was found it was very small,” said the Columbus funeral director. He decided to take no chances and underwent surgery. Since then, he has been a staunch advocate of screening.
“I’m not bashful; I’ll ask ’em quick if they’ve had an exam recently,” he said. “Men are very stubborn. They think they can conquer anything and any disease, but if that gets a-hold of you it can get into your bladder, colon … People just need to understand the exam is not a big deal.”
The Y connection
Promoting No-Shave November at the Y is a good fit. The focus falls into two of the organization’s major platforms — healthy living and social responsibility. (The other is youth development.)
“Healthy living is not just exercise and eating right, but also preventing problems,” said Cynthia Mutch, Y membership and marketing director. “And raising awareness of the issues falls under social responsibility and giving back to the community.”
Y member and spinning class instructor John Almond added, “It’s just one more thing the Y can do, especially as it is concerned with physical, social, spiritual and mental well-being.”
Throughout the month, Runnels will briefly speak to Y classes, even those made up of all females. He will encourage women to have the men in their lives get checked.
“I will be glad to speak any time, anywhere; that’s how strong I feel about it,” he said.
Adaptable
No-Shave November is having an impact with a youthful audience, too, one perhaps a bit young for cancer screenings. At Heritage Academy, about 15 boys have adopted a different cause. They are going hairy to build a playground at Palmer Home for Children. Each participant makes a donation to forgo shaving, explained Michael Ledbetter, SGA President.
“It’s kind of a tradition that we’ve had,” said Ledbetter. “Every November guys will donate money (for a designated cause) and those that can grow beards, will.” Participants can even contribute more to extend their dress code waiver through December.
Talk about it
While No-Shave November, or Movember, can bring positive change in more ways than one, the emphasis remains on men’s health. A beard or mustache is “nature’s billboard,” says the Movember Foundation. “Use it to start a conversation.” Donate the money usually spent on shaving to a health cause and promote early cancer detection and research. Learn more at sites for Movember and for No-Shave November, which is partnered with the American Cancer Society and other entities, including St. Jude’s Research Hospital.
The hairy adventure is underway. Razors down. There is still time to “grow.”
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Jan Swoope is the Lifestyles Editor for The Commercial Dispatch.
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