The current state of men’s health is in crisis. Too many men are dying too young – on average four years younger than women. The Movember Foundation wants our men alive, well and enjoying life, and so the month formerly known as November, is now Movember

You’ve probably noticed the increasing number of moustaches appearing on the faces of friends, brothers, fathers and colleagues, and it’s all to raise money for vital men’s health programmes. Not to mention they look mighty fine.

‘There is a lot being done, but it’s not happening fast enough to have real impact,’ says Owen Sharp, Movember Foundation CEO. ‘The Movember Foundation is uniquely placed to address the crisis at a global level. By engaging with men where they are, and understanding what works best, the Foundation is helping make change happen sooner, before it’s too late.’

With money raised, the Foundation has funded over 1,200 game-changing programmes in prostate cancer, testicular cancer and suicide prevention around the world, while positively challenging the way in which men’s health issues are researched and addressed.

Men’s health in facts:

1 in 4 people in the UK will experience a mental health problem each year Men die on average 4 years younger than women 78% of suicides in the UK are men On average, 13 men take their life each day in the UK Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among men in the UK More than 10,500 men with prostate cancer will die in the UK in 2016 Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in men aged 25-49

Tomorrow, the Greenwich Park 10K MoRun takes place and one of our very own The Resident team members, Lee Henry, will be taking part. Lee, a member of the editorial design team, has used running as a tool to deal with stress and anxiety for years. Here’s his story:

‘Those of you who know me will already know that I love to run. I have logged thousands of miles in the past 10 years. Completed 3 full marathons and numerous half marathons and smaller races.

‘Running is important to me as it helps to ease my daily stress and anxiety and makes sure both my body and mind stay healthy.

‘I believe that exercise and healthy eating can definitely help to relieve the symptoms of anxiety and depression. I also know that being open, honest and seeking help from others is the key to staying healthy. A lot of men today feel trapped in their situation or are too embarrassed to seek the help they need.’

His Movember moustache is coming along nicely too. We made him take a selfie everyday, and here’s his tache progress (rest assured, he has been known to smile!):

To read the rest of Lee’s story and to help him raise funds for the Movember Foundation, click here

Good luck Lee!