The November tradition is building. For several years now November has seen a resurgence in moustaches! Now MoDairy, a subset of the national organization called Movember USA, has a moustache challenge for dairy folks everywhere. MoDairy is building on the tradition of November being recognized as the men’s health awareness month, specifically focused on health challenges facing a high proportion of males – including cancer, and specifically prostate cancer.
Buford, the mascot at Jaylor, even grew a mustache for Movember Dairy.
The MoDairy is Spreading a Wakeup Call!
The call has been heard by thousands and, among them, by MoDairy. MoDairy is a tiny coalition of just 11 dairy industry and dairy-related Wisconsin companies. Despite the lighthearted and somewhat hairy visual side of the campaign, the message is a serious one:
“It is a statistical fact that one in six men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime.”
The issue is a grave one considering that 92 percent of U.S. dairy producers are men and that inspired Amy Throndsen, director of international sales for DCC cow waterbeds. “Dairy farmers have less awareness as to signs and symptoms [of cancer], likely have less frequent medical examinations and simply are often more focused on the care of their cows and crops than they are of their own health.”
A Good Idea is Right Under Your Nose
Recognizing the high potential the campaign is built on sharing information. “The good news is that, if prostate cancer is detected early, the cure rate nears 100%.”
MoDairy and the Movember Foundation encourage routine health exams for men in the dairy industry and, with a campaign centered around the mustache, the coalition is joining forces to start the conversation on men’s health through: industry mustache parties, a Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/MoDairy) radio public service announcements – and much more.
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Keep Calm and Moustache ON
This is where you come in. Get your MO-GOING! Some ideas include:
• Post photos of your family and farm team with fake mustaches – either homemade or digitally added.
• Hold a mustache growing contest with your friends and post updates on your blog. A new mustache is a great conversation starter about Movember.
• Share how cancer has impacted a family member and your farm.
Post a MOOstache photo on Movember Dairy’s Facebook wall for a chance to win a 20×20 Steel Cow print!
MO-MENS To REMEMBER
Good health is the best gift. Preventing prostate cancer is possible with early checkups. Awareness of the facts about prostate cancer and the importance of early screening is something we can all share with those whose health we care about. It starts with conversation.
Ironically, or fortuitously, whichever way you look at it, the idea for Movember actually started reports the Australian founders “with a conversation between mates. There’s a nice synergy to the fact that today it’s conversation that is central to achieving our goals. That one conversation back in 2003 has today grown into billions, taking place around the world.”
Josh, who is an engineer, blogger and cancer survivor encourages everyone to get involved. “With greater awareness of these issues should come empowerment for men to face these challenges, knowing they are supported by their peers and wider community without judgement or stigma, and a lasting change in the state of men’s health worldwide.”
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Movember is Global and It’s Changing the Face of Men’s Health
Since those humble beginnings in 2003 in Australia, the Movember Foundation has made huge strides, inspiring support from over 4 million Mo Bros, Mo Sistas around the world. The founders report. “The Movember Foundation currently runs official campaigns in 21 countries, however, we’re aware of pockets of support in virtually every corner of the world, from Moscow to Rio de Janeiro and everywhere in between. Movember’s success can largely be attributed to the strength of the global community; regardless of the city in which they live, they feel part of something bigger, united by a commitment to help change the face of men’s health. It’s about global mateship.” They describe their word-of-mouth method. “The global expansion of the Movember campaign is not something that has been driven from within – it has been invited and encouraged. Our policy is only to enter a new market if there is an existing strong ground swell of support. Word of mouth, the movement of expats and the incredible power of the internet have all contributed to the campaign stretching out across the globe. The geographic expansion supports and delivers on our primary objective of spreading key health messages to men everywhere.”
The call to action is, “Let’s MO!”
As MoDairy members say, “Whichever option you choose, you will be helping our industry raise awareness of men’s health and the importance of early detection. With your help, we can build support throughout the agriculture industry to help dairy farmers protect themselves against health risks. If you would like additional information or ideas, please feel free to click here.
The Bullvine Bottom Line
Here at the Bullvine we hope all of our readers will share your Movember pictures, thoughts and blogs. Start a conversation with those you love. It could save a life.
I would love to stay and chat but I really MOUSTACHE!
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