Support Men's Health: Join the 'Go Mo' Movement this November in Kilkenny and Worldwide

For numerous males, discussing their well-being is as improbable as asking a baby to solve Pythagoras' Theorem. Highly unlikely!

Embarrassment, lack of knowledge, and various other factors all contribute to our tendency to neglect our health and overall welfare, prioritizing the downfall of our favorite football team or the latest show on Netflix over the most crucial aspect of our lives. After all, "your health is your wealth."

In this fast-paced existence we call life, numerous situations may appear life-or-death, from quarreling with your sister over her use of your shampoo to engaging in intense physical altercations during a local hurling championship. Although these days may feel significant in the moment, they become entirely insignificant as time passes. Life goes on.

So, speaking from a male perspective, why can't we demonstrate the same level of interest when it comes to issues that could potentially impact the rest of our lives? Whether it's a mysterious lump or not feeling mentally well, claiming "I'm fine" shouldn't suffice as an excuse in today's society.

Movember, a campaign that raises funds and awareness for men's physical and mental health, has experienced substantial growth since its inception in 2003.

This yearly initiative encourages men to gather funds for a charity of their choice by either growing a mustache, shaving or dyeing their hair, or hosting a fundraiser every November.

As someone who has taken on the challenge of growing a mustache, or what many of us refer to as a "ronnie," I have received plenty of teasing and mocking over the past 15 days.

What initially began as a tiny spot on my face has now become a home for a red-haired squirrel. My mother despises it, and I worry she may kick me out or cease feeding me. However, as I endure the teasing and weather the storm at home, one thought crosses my mind repeatedly: it's all for a very worthy cause.

Of course, I alone cannot alter the mindset or attitudes of the male population, but I am struck by the increasing interest in the Movember movement. The growing participation not only raises awareness but also appears to be gradually becoming a fashionable trend. Progress has been made, but is it happening quickly enough?

As I sit at the keyboard in the year 2023, three out of every four suicides in Ireland are committed by men. Let me emphasize, this is 2023, not 1823... So, despite the considerable efforts made by organizations like Movember, there are still men who fail to embrace the message.

Moreover, the anxieties and struggles many men face are extensive, with many being related to health. The significance of having a supportive friend who can encourage a man to see his doctor cannot be overstated. In Ireland alone, over 32,500 individuals have prostate cancer, but early detection leads to a survival rate of over 90%. Unfortunately, many men procrastinate addressing the issue, leading to further complications down the line.

As we are well aware on this planet, nobody can compel another man to take action. However, if growing a questionable mustache and making a spectacle of myself inspires just one person to get checked out or seek the help they need, then I have fulfilled my duty.

Yet, it is crucial to recognize that this is a collective effort. There is no lecturing or guilt-tripping involved. It's all about finding humor in our own shortcomings and promoting causes that prioritize positive mental health. We cannot tolerate a return to the old times of concealing our problems. We are facing a climate emergency, a housing crisis, and, last but certainly not least, a mental health crisis. Unless we come together, these persisting issues will continue to plague humanity.

The fast pace and harsh essence of the world necessitate us to continue advocating for good health. It might feel like a broken record, but it will always remain relevant.

As declared by the Movember movement: "We are perishing prematurely, we cannot afford to remain quiet.