Join our challenge to MOVE this MOVEmber
Trigger alert: This article discusses some topics including mental health, suicide prevention and cancer.
Movember is here and while it is traditionally known for men shaving their face completely at the start of the month and attempting to grow a sometimes questionable Mo’ there is so much more to the fundraising event for the month. There are a number of causes that Movember raises awareness of, suicide, prostate and testicular cancer and men’s health generally.
In the UK, men die 3.5 years younger than women which can be due to many reasons including a lower level of health, not speaking up and seeking advice for health issues and not sharing how they feel. In England and Wales, suicide is the leading cause of death among men aged 20-34. Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among men in the UK, while testicular cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in young men in the UK.
Several years ago the Movember Foundation realised the importance of physical activity to improve men’s health. We’re big advocates for that. So this month we want you to MOVE for MOVEmber. Whether you are a member, student, staff, alumni or use us regularly, occasionally or not at all - join us in making a difference. You don’t even need to identify as male
To join our challenge you need to do two things:
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Download our UOP Fitness app and connect any fitness trackers you already have (Strava included)
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Join the 'MOVE for Movember' challenge
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Move - any movement will do. It’s really that simple.
In an ideal world, we want you to commit to moving 60km throughout Movember to highlight the 60 men lost every hour globally to suicide. You can track your distance and moves using our UOP Fitness app, link up your Strava or other tracking app and once connected it will calculate all your moves - in and out of the gym.
Better still our top three movers at the end of the month will receive a Ravelin Sports Centre stash pack. If you need support in getting moving our run club is a great way to boost your moves and distance all in one go - you can book these through the UOP Sport app as well as many other activities.