Autumn has always represented a special time of the year for me. Every year I choose to practice a tradition which begins with a clean shave. Yes…I am referring to “Movember”. This is the month when all brave and selfless men from around the world grow a moustache and brave women step up to support them. The main intention is to raise awareness of issues such as prostate and testicular cancer, mental health (especially depression, my main enemy, the silent killer, the real supervillain in my story), and suicide prevention. And it’s not just the suicide itself. There are so many layers to it. The before… the act.. the aftermath…​And every inch deserves its own individual attention… 

This also results from the fact that many men choose not to talk about these concepts and thus, some die entirely too young. This is why I ask you to join us and our partners in order to help Everyone live happier and healthier lives.

Believe me your view of it changes in every way once it affects you personally! So the charity work you do, no matter how big or small makes an impact. Let it be to save someone before, or to support the families and children left behind after.

The Movember Foundation is the only global charity which is focused solely around helping men develop healthy lifestyles. This organisation raises money to support innovative research, to stress the role that vitamins play and to encourage various programmes so that men can lead more satisfying lives. In fact, these fundraising activities take place throughout the year. The Movember campaign is recognised throughout the world thanks to its fun and unique approach in regards to men’s health.

During this time of the year, men are encouraged to grow moustaches. Still, both men and women will also become more physically active and some may even choose to host fundraising events. Not only are these actions intended to raise vital capital, but they can often lead to powerful and even life-changing experiences. The good news is that Movember is becoming more popular each and every year.

I am personally taking on this challenge in order to emphasise the importance of emotional balance, the role of physical activity and how certain habits are crucial to develop an overall healthy lifestyle. Let’s also remember that Movember is not only about men. It involves everyone.

While 70 may be the new 60, this is only the case if we are healthy. Those who are regularly active, take the right vitamins and develop a positive mental outlook can nonetheless live up to seven years longer when compared to those who are sedentary and obese. Regular physical exercise can also relieve stress, mitigate the effects of depression and help us to control our anger.

On a final note, I am participating in this year’s Movember as a way to remember those whom I have already lost.

VJ