‘MOVEMBER’ IMPORTANT IN PROMOTING MEN’S HEALTH
October 26, 2009
The Nationals Member for Gippsland Darren Chester is willing to risk harmony on the homefront by revisiting his moustache-growing exploits of 2008, when Movember officially begins on Sunday.
Last year, Mr Chester packed his razor away for a month as part of the men’s health promotion and was on the end of some good-natured flak from his family and parliamentary colleagues.
“My young boys love it but the girls at home hate it so I’m certain to cop some jokes from them,” Mr Chester said.
“Last year I looked like a reject from the Village People and I’m sure that there will be a few people lining up again to belittle my moustache-growing ability when Parliament resumes in the middle of November.
“Movember is a fun event with a serious message. Most of the people who make a joke are happy to dip into their pockets and donate to the cause.”
Movember is a men’s health initiative which is aimed at raising awareness and much-needed funds for the ‘beyondblue’ depression project and the ‘Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia’.
Mr Chester said Movember also represented a chance to promote the help and support available to Gippsland families who have struggled through this year’s bushfires and drought.
“Many men in Gippsland have felt the impacts of bushfires and drought over the course of the year and may not have sought professional help,” Mr Chester said.
“It’s vital that people from regional communities know that there is help and support available and I encourage anybody who is in need of assistance to seek professional advice.”
Mr Chester said highlighting prostate cancer during Movember was important in helping men to take their personal health more seriously.
“As blokes, we sometimes neglect our health and current predictions are that 3300 Australian men will die from prostate cancer in 2010 out of almost 20,000 diagnosed,” Mr Chester said.
“It’s a disease that is highly curable if detected and treated early. Raising awareness of the need for regular check ups is critical to successful outcomes.”
For further information on becoming involved in Movember, or to make a donation please visit: www.movember.com.au
