BCG staff have thrown their support behind the Movember movement in a bid to shine the spotlight on men’s health, encouraging growers and their extended networks to be mindful of their physical and mental health.
It has been a challenging year, with below average rainfall for many growers across the region, and harvest time presents busy schedules that can take their toll.
Being aware of your health and of those around you, especially during dry seasons, is something the BCG Movember team wanted to remind people of, BCG’s Chris Cook said.
Mr Cook raised his hand to be the Movember team leader for the second year after a successful 2017 campaign.
“During busy periods it can be easy putting our own physical and mental health low on the priority list, which is part of the reason the BCG team have again decided to do their bit for the Movember cause,” Mr Cook said.
During November, the male members of the BCG Movember team allowed their facial hair to flourish and, with the support of their non-mo-growing colleagues, raised money to support the campaign.
“The aim of Movember isn’t about who can grow facial hair,” Mr Cook said.
Movember was started in Melbourne in 2003 by two mates over a beer. Since then, the movement has gone international.
“Its purpose is to raise vital funds and awareness for men’s health, specifically prostate cancer and male mental health,” Mr Cook said.
According to Cancer Australia, prostate cancer was the second most common cancer diagnosed this year, meaning many small communities have been affected in some way.
And in 2015, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, suicide was the leading cause of death for men between 15 to 44 years.
“As a community, it is our responsibility to keep the conversation open, to help reduce the stigma associated with male physical and mental health,” Mr Cook said.
