Nov 8, 2016

Shine a Light on Men's Health in Movember

Hi everyone, Ping here.

The air is getting crisper and the leaves are starting to fall, and we all know what that means! It’s one of my favorite times of the year: Movember.

Nope, that’s not a typo, I’m talking about Mustache November, or as it’s commonly called, Movember. This worldwide celebration seeks to literally “change the face of men's health” by encouraging men to grow out their beards and mustaches to help raise awareness for men’s health.

And it’s high time for a healthy dose of awareness. According to the Movember Foundation: “Men experience worse longer-term health than women and die on average six years earlier. Prostate cancer rates will double in the next 15 years. Testicular cancer rates have already doubled in the last 50. Three quarters of suicides are men. Poor mental health leads to half a million men taking their own life every year. That’s one every minute.” Translation: the time is now to do something about this global crisis!

While growing out facial hair can be a fun (and dare I say, festive?) way to recognize this annual movement, Movember is making a big impact. Mustache aficionados and non-hairy supporters alike can collect donations, participate in office challenges (Burliest Beard award, anyone?), or host events, all of which contribute to charities that seek to reduce the number of men dying prematurely by 25% by 2030.

So why should your business consider getting involved in Movember? Well, even though Movember addresses some pretty heavy issues regarding men’s health, the month itself is super fun and lighthearted. Unfortunately, as a smooth skinned penguin I can’t speak from experience, but I’ve found that males of the human variety really love showing off their whiskers. You could start an office competition and encourage employees to vote (with their donations) on the best beard in the office. Movember can also be a great time for an office fitness challenge encouraging beard wearers and supple-faced employees alike to get moving.

Promoting cause-based initiatives, like Movember, can be a huge morale-booster and teamwork-builder within your organization. Running philanthropic campaigns not only makes employees feel purposeful and good, it also encourages camaraderie and unity as everyone works toward a common goal. So if you’re looking for a way to give back, foster teamwork, and enrich the culture of your team, consider supporting a cause.

With Movember upon us, I thought it’d be fun to share of my personal favorite mustache-inspired giveaways. These items are perfect to give as prizes for your office mustache contest or to hand out as a promotion of the office participation in the campaign.

Mustache Mug	Glacier Rock Cooling Stones
Mustache Rings	Admiral™ Rosewood Flask by Viski

Mustache mugs are a fun way to warm up chilly fall mornings in the office with a few laughs and a hot beverage!

These novelty beer markers are hilarious and functional. Now even Movember non-participants can experience the joy of having a mustache!

Make sure that your Best Beard prizes are up to par with a high-value gift any man’s man would love like this rosewood flask or these glacier rock beverage cooling stones.

Here at The Icebox, we’ve got tons of cool swag to match whatever charitable cause you’re rallying behind. So if you’re ready to give and give back, contact one of our Creative Experts to learn how we can help you spread awareness.