Movember - Taking care of your mo and your gentlemanly parts

Section: Gentlemanly Pursuits - Blog

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In case you’re unaware, Movember is about raising awareness and a bit of cash for men’s health as well as growing that dreamed of handlebar moustache without fear of ridicule from your mates. So here are a few tips on taking care of that blossoming mo and most importantly, your gentlemanly parts.

Your Mo

Shaving – Now you might be thinking growing a glorious moustache is as easy as ditching the razor but remember, this month is all about the tache and not the beard. So it’s an unwritten rule that everything that is not on your upper lip should be shaved. Of course, you can extend that tache a la Hulk Hogan but growing anything on the chin isn’t really the done thing.

Combing – Anyone out there who has or has ever had a beard knows the merits of combing your facial hair. In fact, your mo will in all probability require just as much attention as whatever you have on top. Think about it, Danish pastries, lasagna, and even beer all leave their calling cards in your moustache so it stands to reason to get yourself a little comb like this and make sure it stays in pristine condition.

Product – No matter what you might think you need, there is only one product any moustache grower worth his salt requires: moustache wax. Now you can get away with not using any product at all but if you’re going to do it, then do it right. Movember Australia reckons you should be using Uppercut Deluxe Mo Wax and who are we to argue with the experts. And if you think it’s overkill, then imagine what you’ll look like in your custom tailored suit sporting an unkempt snatch of hair under your nose.

Apply a little each day using that cool little comb we recommended. You want to get a light layer on each hair so take your time and always brush from the top down. Once it’s looking dapper, then leave well enough alone and only touch it again if it needs attention.

Your Gentlemanly parts

Movember is a good laugh but let’s not forget the reason we’re taking part; to raise awareness of men’s health issues such as testicular and prostate cancer. So here are a few tips on keeping an eye on yourself.

Testicular Cancer

While this is the 2^nd most common form of cancer found in men from 18 to 39, treatment actually has a fairly high success rate once started early enough. Here are a few things you should be on the lookout for

• A lump or swelling in either testicle
• Change in the size or shape of your testicles
• A heaviness in the scrotum
• Any aches in your lower abdomen or groin
• An unusual build-up of fluid in the scrotum
• Pain or discomfort in a testicle or the scrotum
• Enlargement or tenderness of the breast tissue

It’s important that you check yourself properly, so please check out this examination guide on the Movember site.

Prostate Cancer

1 in 7 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer before reaching their 75^th year. Now that’s a statistic not to be dismissed out of hand. But like testicular cancer there is a good chance that it can be treated successfully if found early. Not everyone will experience symptoms though, so a regular check-up with your doctor is best. However, those that do have symptoms may notice

• A need to urinate quite often

• Difficulty in holding back urine

• Burning sensation when urinating

• Blood in urine or semen

• Painful ejaculation

• Unexplained stiffness in lower back, hips or upper thighs

• Difficulty in getting an erection

• Weak flow of urine

If you find any of these symptoms for either type of cancer, don’t panic, just head to your doctor and have him do a thorough check.

There are also other aspects of men’s health such as Mental Health and Physical Inactivity that are explained in full on the Movember site.

If your boss doesn't take too kindly to a Tom Selleck wannabe turning up at client meetings, then you can always donate to the cause via the Movember donations page. But if you are intent on testing the facial hair boundaries at work then know that the men of Montagio are right behind you.