Meet the new faces of Movember
Led by Watertown High teachers, support for men’s health issues is growing
November 2, 2015
According to the National Center for Health Statistics, women live about five years longer than men. And when it comes to their overall well-being, some men face a stigma about asking for help.
“Men often overlook their health because we as males, are told to be tough and going to the doctor would be a sign of weakness,” said Watertown High history teacher David Mastro. “Society has to be aware of the many health issues that men face.”
The Movember Foundation is trying to change that.
Established in 2003 by two Australian friends, Travis Garone and Luke Slattery, the Movember Foundation (mustache + November) works to promote and increase awareness in all aspects of men’s health, from prostate cancer to mental health. By growing a mustache, the conversation is started, and information is passed on.
Mastro and other teachers are doing just that at Watertown High. They have joined together and created Watertown’s Sweet ‘Staches. Starting Nov. 1, they will begin to grow mustaches. On Wednesday, Nov. 25, at the Thanksgiving pep rally, WHS students and faculty alike are going to vote on the best mustache.
There are other ways to help the cause than just growing a mustache. The Pride Committee at Watertown High has created mustache pins to purchase for just a few dollars, so anyone can spread awareness.
Mastro has a personal relationship with one of the foundation’s causes. In Mastro’s family, there is a long history of prostate cancer.
“I know personally that prostate cancer is very prevalent in my family — grandfather, father, and uncle — and I will one day be diagnosed with it,” he said. “Society has to be aware of the many health issues that men face.”
Throughout the month, the school hopes to raise $500 through donations. The money will go to the Movember Foundation. Together, Watertown High School and the Movember Foundation hope to bring more attention to men’s health.
“If this Movember can get one student to begin the dialogue in their family, maybe it will save one life,’’ Mastro said,” and growing the mustache will be worth it.”
(For information or to donate, go to the Watertown’s Sweet ‘Staches homepage at http://moteam.co/watertown-s-sweet-staches.)
–Nov. 2, 2015–
