Blazers Participate in Movember Campaign for Men’s Health

VALDOSTA – The Office of Student Life and Office of Health Promotions at Valdosta State University invite all VSU faculty, staff, students, alumni, and friends to join a growing national movement for men’s health by participating in Movember.

During the month of November, the Movember campaign challenges men to grow a moustache and both men and women to be a champion of men’s health through MOVE, a 30-day fitness challenge inviting participants to be more active while raising funds and awareness.

“We want to educate our students about men’s health issues,” said John Wright, assistant director of the Office of Student Affairs. “At times, especially in the demographic we work with — ages 18 to 24 — men feel like they don’t need to worry about their health. They are too tough to go for a physical every year or see a mental health professional. Movember focuses on encouraging men to care about their health.”

In partnership with the Livestrong Foundation, the Prostate Cancer Foundation, and the Prevention Institute, the Movember campaign seeks to raise awareness of men’s health issues in the community and across the nation. The campaign focuses on issues related to prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health, and physical inactivity while encouraging men to be proactive in living happier, healthier, longer lives.

Since 2003, Movember supporters across the globe have raised $650 million and funded more than 1,000 programs to provide breakthrough solutions that produce tangible improvements in men’s health.

“We have been participating for six years and have raised about $3,000,” said Wright. “While fundraising is a major goal, we focus on the education component of Movember.”

Contact John Wright at (229) 333-5674 or jowright@valdosta.edu for more information.

On the Web:

https://us.movember.com

Facts about Men’s Health

Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men in the United States.

Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in young men ages 15-34 in the United States.

An estimated 1 in 4 adults in the United States will experience a mental health problem in a given year.

Less than 54 percent of American men meet the federal guidelines for physical activity.

Source: The Movember Foundation

Valdosta State University’s 2013-2019 Strategic Plan represents a renewal of energy and commitment to the foundational principles for comprehensive institutions.

Implementation of the plan’s five goals, along with their accompanying objectives and strategies, supports VSU’s institutional mission and the University System of Georgia’s mission for comprehensive universities.

The story above demonstrates VSU's commitment to meeting the following goals:

Goal 1: Recruit, retain, and graduate a quality, diverse student population and prepare students for roles as leaders in a global society.

Goal 3: Promote student, employee, alumni, retiree, and community engagement in our mission.

Visit http://www.valdosta.edu/administration/planning/strategic-plan.php to learn more.