SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, Calif .– You might be seeing more mustaches right now, all for a good cause – raising awareness for men’s health.
This month is “Movember,” an annual event where men grow mustaches in November to raise awareness of men’s health issues.
“You know our fathers, partners, brothers and friends are all facing a health crisis that we just don’t talk about,” said Greg Oliva, community development manager for the organization Movember.
Health issues include suicide, mental health, prostate, and testicular cancer.
“We know that in the United States, 4 out of 5 suicides are men. It’s a striking statistic, ”said Oliva. “One in nine men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime, and testicular cancer is the most common cancer in young men. “
The Movember organization has said it is focusing on all four because men are at risk of dying from any of these health issues.
“Men die too young,” said Oliva. “We have seen the movember community come forward in incredible ways this year. This grows the mustache which is our iconic ‘mo’, for which we are best known.
Santa Barbara County Behavioral Wellness says men’s health is important.
“Don’t just look at physical health, but also mental health. because generally men are less likely to talk about their feelings and express their feelings, and less likely to seek help, ”said the chief of clinical operations for the Santa County Behavioral Wellness division Barbara.
The county said anyone needing help with mental health issues can contact the hotline 24/7.
“People can call anytime to request mental health services,” Winckler said. “And they’ll take a screening and get an appointment at the right place for them. that number is 888-868-1649.
