This year I have grown a “MOvember” mustache for the second time. I have to confess, the first time I did it I just grew a goatee, because it is more flattering on me, and I didn’t want to look like a 70s B-list actor! This year I went all in.
In this picture, I am sporting a “Half-Mast Mo”. This is like a flag at half mast, worn in memory of all the men that have lost their life to the health issues to which MOvember brings awareness- Prostate Cancer, Testicular Cancer, and Mental Health. In this month alone, we have lost 587 Canadian men to prostate cancer, testicular cancer or suicide.
First of all, I would like to thank everyone who sponsored me personally or donated to support MOvember men’s health issues. Thank you also to everyone who had to look at me this month, particularly my wife, for putting up with my mustache!
I wear the “Half Mast Mo” also to remind men (and women) how important it is to not just go half way when taking care of themselves. Our state of health will impact our lives so profoundly, but too often we ignore it until the damage is irreparable. Perform regular self exams (see Shaughnessy Wellness’ Facebook page for an entertaining yet informative video on how to perform self exams for men) and make sure you have regular prostate checkups if you’re over 50. (I’ve got mine scheduled! Oh joy.). Make sure your nervous system gets checked regularly with Network Spinal Analysis, as your nervous system impacts all the other systems in your body. Chiropractic is not just about back pain!!! When you wait for symptoms, you are waiting too long. The first symptom for a cardiac condition can be a fatal heart attack! According to The Society of Nuclear Medicine, as many as 50 percent of cardiac deaths occur in individuals that have no prior history or symptoms of heart disease!
Make sure you aren’t just waiting for symptoms before you act. Some guys take better care of their cars than their own body. Don’t go half-way in taking care of yourself- you can see how ridiculous it looks!