Ever wondered why men around the country are choosing to ditch their razors in November?
It’s not just to keep their faces warmer while hitting the hunting trails or working outside in the cooler late-Fall weather.
“Movember” or “No-Shave November” is a global movement encouraging men to grow our their hair in order to raise funds and awareness for various charitable organizations that support men’s health initiatives such prostate cancer, testicular cancer, colon cancer research, and more. 
Where did Movember come from? “Movember” combines the words “moustache” – spelled this way because the cause originated in Australia and that how it is spelled there - and “November.” It started in 2009 among the Hill family in remembrance of their father, Matthew Hill, who lost his battle with colon cancer. He’d lost his hair during treatment, so his family and friends avoided shaving and cutting their hair for the entire month to honor his memory. They challenged their social media followers to do the same and donate the monies saved from typical grooming expenses to cancer research organizations. Over the past several years Movember has “grown” into a full-fledged global initiative that is now referred to as “No Shave November.”
The American Cancer Fund partnered with No Shave November in 2021 and is now amplifying their impact with additional support, education, funds, research, and awareness on a much larger international platform. Participants are urged to register as either solo or part of a team, start a fundraising page on social media and spreading the word to challenge others to join. Women can even participate by skipping regularly scheduled grooming appointments and donating the money saved from that monthly cut & color!
Prairie Lakes Healthcare System is here to support men’s health concerns. With over 25 medical services and specialties we provide comprehensive, cross-discipline, patient-focused care for men of all ages including:
- Acid Reflux Center
- Cancer Treatment
- Cardiology
- Dermatology
- Ear, Nose, & Throat
- General Surgery (direct-access colonoscopies, vasectomies, etc)
- Kidney Care/Dialysis
- Nutritional Services/Registered Dietitians
- Orthopedics & Sports Medicine
- Pain Science Center
- Podiatry
- Primary Care/Convenience Care (Walk-in Clinic)
- Pulmonology (COPD, Sleep Studies)
- Rehabilitation & Therapy Services
- Urology/Prostate Care
Additional simple steps men can implement this month to take control of their health:
- Cut back on calories and move more if you’ve been trying to lose weight
- Eat healthy by getting enough protein and vegetables
- Make this the year you quit smoking
- Schedule a colon screening if you’re 45 or older
- Get your cholesterol and blood pressure checked
- Reduce your daily alcohol intake
- Find ways to reduce stress by talking to a behavioral health specialist or adding relaxing habits to your day.
- Schedule a wellness check with Prairie Lakes Healthcare System Primary Care
Prairie Lakes Healthcare System is here for everybody – every body, every age, every stage of life. Visit our website for additional medical services and more information. Call 605-882-7000 to make an appointment today.