Many 'Staches Are Starting to Surface in Support of Movember

November might just be the best month there is. Why you ask? Because not only is it an amazing thing to see so many guys opting to let their facial hair grow for thirty days in order to support Movember, but in doing so, they provide some major eye candy as well.

If you are unfamiliar with what Movember is, it's a month completely dedicated to raising awareness of prostate and testicular cancer, as well as focusing on efforts to improve mental health and physical inactivity for men. The Movember Foundation is a global organization that began in 2003, and in addition to making it their mission to help men live happier, healthier and longer lives, they also fund more than 1,000 different programs that focus on men's health, and have raised totals of over $650 million for the cause too. Special events like moustache growing contests are held throughout the month, and besides just drawing attention, the funds that are raised with these competitions go directly towards benefiting the foundation. Even though guys are the only one's capable of growing facial hair, that doesn't mean that ladies can't find ways to participate and support this important cause too. Because of the dangers that having a sedentary lifestyle can lead to, the foundation is focusing on the physical activity aspect more so this year than ever before, and are encouraging both men and women to get out and move or do something active every single day of the month.

The efforts of the Movember Foundation have branched off into cities all over the country, and now hundreds participate in No Shave November, and many others work together to educate people about these fatal diseases and various methods of prevention. Ken Smith, a local Movember advocate, kicked off the month with his team by starting with completely clean-shaven faces, courtesy of Scissors and Sinners in Fort Collins. Smith joined in being a part of the Movember movement after being diagnosed with prostate cancer three years ago. During his battle, Smith also found himself dealing with depression – and that's when he realized how much mental health can impact treatment and affect someone's overall health in general. So, when Ken was recently delivered the news that he was once again being diagnosed with recurrent prostate cancer, he decided to forgo early treatment, claiming that the negative impact on his mental health just wouldn't be worth it, and furthermore, that the would choose cancer over battling depression any day. For all males who find themselves in a similar position, it can be a scary and stressful time, and not all men may be comfortable asking for help. It is the efforts of people coming together to help make things easier for patients like Ken that really make a difference, and this can easily be achieved.

If you would like to get involved with Movember this year, you can make a general donation or join Ken Smith's FOCOMO team to further participate in local events and also donate to the cause on a more personal level. Several other local businesses are jumping on to show their support by offering specials throughout the whole month with profits being donated to the The Movember Foundation.

Nov. 1-30: Stop by Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant, 143 W. Mountain Ave., or Black Bottle Brewery, 1611 S. College Ave., to try Pomegranate Kolsch Movember beer.
Nov. 19: Join Phi Kappa Theta for the Mac N' Stache. The event begins at 5 p.m. and features all you can eat mac n' cheese at St. John XXIII Event Center, 1221 W. Elizabeth St. Tickets are $7 at the door. T-shirt packages are also available while supplies last.
Nov. 21: Movember at City Star Brewing, 321 Mountain Ave. Berthoud, CO. Join for some tasty craft brews in a celebration of fine moustachery to raise awareness of men's health issues. At 4 p.m., Mo Contest: rock your best mustache, impress the panel of judges, and take home a free growler and special prizes. Live Music at 7 p.m.: The Heartstring Hunters. City Star will donate $1 per beer sold ALL DAY to the Movember Foundation, so come thirsty and hairy.
Nov. 21: Crossfit Longmont Presents: Move Your Mo - Beginning at 10:30 a.m. join in for a morning of fundraising, education and more than a few gallons of sweat. This is an all-ages event so pack up the kiddos and your grandpappy have some fun raising awareness. 100% of proceeds go to the Movember foundation.
Nov. 28: Moustache Must Dash 5k, Trail Winds Park 13385 Holly Street Thornton, CO. Sport your best moustache and race, run, or walk to support MOVEMBER! Get more info and register at: https://runsignup.com/Race/CO/Thornton/MustacheMustDash5k.
All month long, eat a Fuzzy Moustache Roll at Jaws Sushi
Get a shave at Scissors and Sinners Barbershop