Forget about Movember, it's all about MOVEmber

There’s a new way to do Movember. This year’s challenge is to get active - and with good reason, writes Siobhan Norton

It’s that time of year again. There’s a bite in the air, a crunch underfoot, and a dubious amount of facial hair springing to the lips of men everywhere. Yes, ‘tis the month to be moustachioed, thanks to the incredibly successful Movember campaign.It was set up to raise awareness of men’s health issues such as prostate cancer and depression, with “Mo Bros” all over the world raising money for charity.

But what about the follicly challenged? Or indeed, those who want more of a challenge than just being sparing with the razor? Well, this year, the Mo Bros (and Mo Sistas) are being encouraged to get moving. The challenge is to MOVE every day for the 30 days of Movember. How you MOVE each day is up to you. It could be a bike ride or a jog, a trip to the gym, walking to work or busting a move at a wedding (you know you want to). Whether your idea of fun is an Ironman challenge or ping pong, the important thing is just to get going.

Why? We all know exercise is a cornerstone of health, and studies have shown that moving on a regular basis can reduce your risk of heart disease, diabetes, and cancer by up to 50 per cent and lower your risk of early death by up to 30 per cent. It’s also one of the best ways to stay mentally healthy and one of the best treatments for mild to moderate depression.

As an amateur boxer, David King knows the benefits of exercise, and being in tune with your body. The 46-year-old nightclub owner was diagnosed with prostate cancer after noticing changes in his urine habits.

Luckily it was caught early enough when it was still confined to the prostate, so he underwent a cyber knife surgery to have his prostate removed.

“I was totally gobsmacked when I was diagnosed,” he said. “After taking up boxing training and losing more than five stone in the process, I was feeling better than ever. I thought I was too young to be diagnosed with prostate cancer and couldn’t understand why it had happened.

“I thought it was an old man’s disease, but I was in my early 40s when I was diagnosed. Men don’t talk about their health the way women do. We delay going to the doctors due to embarrassment. Men need to wake up and face up to cancer. If you feel something is not quite right, visit your doctor and discuss a PSA test as early as possible.”

David feels that it is crucial to raise awareness of the disease so that more men like him can survive the disease in the future. He has also run a number of fundraising activities.

“I feel I can beat anything. Since my operation, I have had a professional boxing fight, it makes you invincible!”

You can sign up to MOVE now at Movember.com.