If you visit AFC Urgent Care Bedford this November, you might notice some of our male associates rocking a different look. In fact, you might begin noticing men around your town developing a sudden fondness for facial hair — particularly the moustache. It’s no coincidence that men are suddenly sporting an upper lip with zip this November. That’s because there’s a global movement to recognize November as “Movember,” and it’s all for a good cause.

A moustache can make a difference

The moustache, or the “mo” for short, is becoming a worldwide symbol for men’s health initiatives thanks to the Movember Foundation. The Movember Foundation’s goal is to encourage men across the globe to forgo shaving their ‘stache for the entire month of November, all the while raising awareness and money for men’s health — particularly in the critical areas of prostate and testicular cancers, as well as mental health and suicide prevention.

Men’s health disparity

Across the world, men die an average of six years younger than women for reasons that are largely preventable. The Foundation works to connect clinicians and researchers from around the world to accelerate health outcomes for men living with prostate and testicular cancer. They also work with a network of health partners to make sure awareness initiatives are funded so men (and women) are getting the latest information. Over the last 14 years, the Movember Foundation has raised $769 million for men’s health programs.

Finding time for health

A survey by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that men are half as likely as women to go to the doctor over a two-year period. One of the reasons most often given by men: they’re too busy. At AFC Urgent Care Bedford, we’re making it easier for men to find the time to stay healthy by providing accessible primary care at times and locations they find convenient.

A little facial hair can go a long way

So how can you help the men in your life stay healthier this Movember? The first thing to do is to sign up at the Movember Foundation’s website. You’ll find ways both men and women can get involved. It can be as simple as growing your mustache — think of it like an awareness ribbon with a twist — or use it as a way to raise donations.

The ‘mo, the merrier

So “grow a mo and save a bro” this November. Your fun follicular adventure can make a difference in the health of dads, husbands, brothers, sons, partners and friends across the world.