Friday, November 27, 2009

Movember Day 17-27: The most important discussion you can have

Since starting my fundraising efforts for Movember I have had a number of conversations with male friends and acquaintances about prostate cancer.

The number one reaction so far is it is not something that they are particularly worried about because it is an "old man's disease". Most are surprised to hear that men should actually begin screening at age 40.


Why is it important? Because 1 in 6 men will get prostate cancer. Typically there are no symptoms until it's spread beyond the prostate. Regular screening is vital as prostate cancer is 90% curable if detected and treated early. Sadly 4,400 men will die from prostate cancer in Canada this year, don't let it be someone you know.

So, if you're 40+ ask your Doctor about prostate cancer. Caught early enough it could very well be the most important discussion you will ever have.

And after you've had that discussion, consider making a donation to Prostate Cancer Canada so they can get the message out to all Canadian men.

Friday, November 20, 2009

Movember Day 16-20: Like watching paint dry...

Yes, I know said I would blog everyday about my 'stache and yes I know I've now missed five days but to be really honest here since actually creating the 'stache it has been like watching paint dry. To help put a little life in things though I'm going to create my "trucker" look tomorrow and then next week I'm going for a straight 'stache itself. What can I say, I get borded easily.

On Prostate Cancer
- did you know that prostate cancer is a result of dietary, environmental and heredity factors? Find out more at Prostate Cancer Canada.


On Growing a 'Stache
- Paint drying.


On Supporting Prostate Cancer Research
-I encourage you to make a donation directly to Prostate Cancer Canada. No donation amount is too small and you get an automatic tax receipt too!

Sunday, November 15, 2009

November Day 15: the deed is done!

I'm a little behind in my Movember blogs! Last one was November 11th but I figured there really wasn't much to say since there really wasn't much change. But today the 'stache has finally taken shape and I must say I'm pretty impressed with my own handiwork. I'll have a photo up soon of the 'stache itself but first need to do with some skin irritation on my chin which won't make for a very good photo (I know, vanity...) The photo here is from Movember 14th - the last day of the full beard.

And yes, I realized that I have repeated a hat!
I'm not sure how that happened since there is still a whole closet full of hats that I haven't used this month...

Also, wanted to send a great big thank you to everyone that has made a donation to Prostate Canada Cancer! We are now at $325 raised.


On Prostate Cancer
- the Prostate Cancer Canada Network is a great place to find a support group near you including several in the Metro Vancouver area.


On Growing a 'Stache
- I need to find some really good moisturizing I think to help with the red chin. I guess it is better than a red nose.


On Supporting Prostate Cancer Research
-I encourage you to make a donation directly to Prostate Cancer Canada. No donation amount is too small and you get an automatic tax receipt too!

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Movember Day 11: Lest we forget

Rather than a Movember blog entry about my 'stache I thought I would send a heartfelt thank you to all the men and women, including my own father, that served or are serving in Canada's military. Veteran Affairs Canada puts it in terms that helped me to understand why it is important to remember:
"By remembering their service and their sacrifice, we recognize the tradition of freedom these men and women fought to preserve. They believed that their actions in the present would make a significant difference for the future, but it is up to us to ensure that their dream of peace is realized. On Remembrance Day, we acknowledge the courage and sacrifice of those who served their country and acknowledge our responsibility to work for the peace they fought hard to achieve."

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Movember Day 10: Now what?

Okay, I'm getting a little bored now. Time to get some shape into this puppy. I've been doing more research into styles and I'm not sure now if just a 'stache is going to cut it. I'm toying with a "Franz Josef" or "A la Souvarov". What do you think?

On Prostate Cancer - I came across this great article on overcoming men's objections to a prostate exam that should be required reading.

On Growing a 'Stache - I think our friends at Momentum Grooming have got their work cut out for them when I finally get in the barber's chair!

On Supporting Prostate Cancer Research -I encourage you to make a donation directly to Prostate Cancer Canada. No donation amount is too small and you get an automatic tax receipt too!

Monday, November 9, 2009

Movember Day 9: It itches!

I had no illusions. I knew this day was coming. I just didn't think it would start this soon. My face itches. That's it, just wanted to complain. Monday's are good for complaining. Nice bow tie though, don't you think?

On Prostate Cancer - prostate cancer survival rates are actually quite good and recent studies show that if detected when in its localised stage, the survival rate is virtually 100%. Early detection is obviously key. Visit Prostate Cancer Canada for more information.

On Growing a 'Stache - Graham from Momentum Grooming is away for a few days. Great, just when I need him most! HELP STOP THE ITCHING!

On Supporting Prostate Cancer Research -I encourage you to make a donation directly to Prostate Cancer Canada. No donation amount is too small and you get an automatic tax receipt too!

Sunday, November 8, 2009

Movember Day 8: Not one of my better hats...

Day 8 and the beard continues to fill in and I think it is now at a point now where change will not be so noticeable for a while. The BF declared this as not one of my better hats. It might not be the nicest looking hat but this one has been with me around the world a couple of times (my version of the Canadian flag patch on my backpack)!

On Prostate Cancer - yearly prostate exams are an important part of men's health and isn't always just for those over 50 as other risk factors can also determine when you should begin your yearly exams. Ask your doctor next time you see him or her! Visit Prostate Cancer Canada for more information.

On Growing a 'Stache - I'm really looking forward to a little pampering from the guys at Momentum Grooming soon! How about it Graham, is it ready to start shaping yet?

On Supporting Prostate Cancer Research -I encourage you to make a donation directly to Prostate Cancer Canada. No donation amount is too small and you get an automatic tax receipt too!

Saturday, November 7, 2009

Movember Day 7: Looking rather dapper!

Day 7 and the beard is starting to fill in nicely. Not as much grey as I had expected. My father's hair and beard is almost completely white so I thought mine might start looking the same (especially as I get older).

On Prostate Cancer - there are many treatment options these days for those that have been diagnosed with prostate cancer. Visit Prostate Cancer Canada for more information.

On Growing a 'Stache - keeping your 'stache (or beard) neat and tidy means you need the proper tools. For me though I think I'm going to let the guys at Momentum Grooming do all the work!

On Supporting Prostate Cancer Research -I encourage you to make a donation directly to Prostate Cancer Canada. No donation amount is too small and you get an automatic tax receipt too!

Friday, November 6, 2009

Movember Day 6: I'm not sure what is more fun...

It is only day six and while I'm having fun with the beard (the best part is not having to shave every morning!!) I'm actually having more fun with my hat collection. Today's is one of my favs - what I call my "Gomer" hat. I haven't actually taken count yet but I think I can actually go the entire month with a different hat each day. Bow ties are making a comeback (I've actually started a little collection of those as well), so why not men's hats?! And NO it is not because I am follically challenged! (Okay, maybe a little).

On Prostate Cancer - while more than 70 percent of men diagnosed with this disease are over the age of 65, it is starting to turn up in men as early as their 40s. Visit Prostate Cancer Canada for more information.

On Growing a 'Stache - I wonder if our friends at Momentum Grooming are up to the challenge of the "Super Mario"?!?

On Supporting Prostate Cancer Research -I encourage you to make a donation directly to Prostate Cancer Canada. No donation amount is too small and you get an automatic tax receipt too!

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Movember Day 5: Channeling my uncle from Florida

Okay, okay, I really DON'T have an Uncle that lives in Florida, but if I did I am pretty sure this is what he would look like. Got the in-grown hairs under control and I'm actually thinking I'm not so hideous when I look at myself in the mirror now. But I am definitely looking forward to when the 'stache shaping begins and I can get rid of the rest of the hair on my face that I don't need.

On Prostate Cancer - did you know Prostate Cancer Canada offers an online risk assessment quiz to help men figure out their risk of developing the disease. Take it!

On Growing a 'Stache - I checked out the barbershop at Momentum Grooming where I'll eventually go for my 'stache shaping (Graham at Momentum figures we should wait another week or so). Never had a straight razor shave before ... you are going to give me one of those, aren't you Graham!?

On Supporting Prostate Cancer Research -I encourage you to make a donation directly to Prostate Cancer Canada. No donation amount is too small and you get an automatic tax receipt too!

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Movember Day 4: Canada's Most Wanted

Today's photo is decidedly burglar like and I am convinced I'll end up on a most wanted poster somewhere with this mug! I've decided that lots of facial hair actually makes me look older than I really am and does nothing for my complexion (oh vanity, you are a mean one).

On Prostate Cancer - a growing body of evidence suggests that certain vitamins and minerals may protect against prostate cancer and/or slow its progression. Visit http://www.prostatecancer.ca for more information.


On Growing a 'Stache - as the 'stache continues to grow I need to seriously start thinking about a style. I'm told there are a few things to consider when picking the right style: overall length of the mouth, size of the nose, size and fullness of the upper lip area, overall width of the cheeks, growth density, etc. Good thing I'll have some help when we get to that point from our friends at Momentum Grooming.

On Supporting Prostate Cancer Research -I encourage you to make a donation directly to Prostate Cancer Canada. No donation amount is too small and you get an automatic tax receipt too!

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Movember Day 3: You're looking a bit scruffy

The boyfriend declared I was already looking a little "scruffy" this morning as he took the daily photo documenting my 'stache. I would have to agree but history tells me it only gets worse from here before it actually gets better. A couple of in-grown hairs have appeared but I hope to have those under control soon!

On Prostate Cancer - did you know it will be diagnosed in about 25,500 men this year, not including cases that go undiagnosed due to men's unwillingness to go for annual check-ups. Visit http://www.prostatecancer.ca for more information.


On Growing a 'Stache - while our friends at Momentum Grooming said I should let the facial hair grow wild they did say I could shave my neck. Good thing as it really does help take away some of the "scruffiness".

On Supporting Prostate Cancer Research -I encourage you to make a donation directly to Prostate Cancer Canada. No donation amount is too small and you get an automatic tax receipt too!

Monday, November 2, 2009

Movember Day 2: The Stubble Begins

I'm always amazed at how quickly my facial hair actually grows. It is only day two of Movember and I can already see the little hairs peeking through the skin. Still a long way to go. I just hope that the in-grown hairs that usually accompany my growing a beard stay away this time!

On Prostate Cancer - did you know that prostate cancer is the most common cancer among Canadian men? It will afflict 1 in 6 men and is a greater threat for those with a family history of the disease. Visit http://www.prostatecancer.ca for more information.

On Growing a 'Stache - word from our friends at Momentum Grooming is we will need a couple weeks of "wild" growth before we can start shaping it. Still not sure what kind of 'stache to grow. So many choices!

On Supporting Prostate Cancer Research -I encourage you to make a donation directly to Prostate Cancer Canada. No donation amount is too small and you get an automatic tax receipt too!