“Being quiet about men’s health is easy”, observes Mike Buchanan, faculty coordinator and instructor for CNC’s
Information Technology and Networking program. “We all avoid shame and awkwardness; it makes us quiet. Raising awareness around men’s health resonates with me. I have had many family members and friends that have been too stoic to seek advice about their health. So much that a few have paid the ultimate price...”
Hosting a classroom Mo-ment
For the past decade during November, Mike hadn’t fully committed by shaving, but he informally started conversations about men’s health throughout the month. This
Movember, he was planning to do the same by just keeping the conversation going without starting with a fresh shave. All of that changed when he saw an invitation for CNC students and staff to get a free shave from Camp Plaza Barbers in Prince George to kickstart Movember.
“I floated the idea to my class in a non-committed way and challenged students to join me”, Mike continues. “Secretly, I thought no one would accept the challenge but I was wrong about the interest!”
Shunned conversations
For Mike, Movember has been an amazing experience to connect with students and colleagues.
“What have you done with Mike?” was an often recurring and teasing response to his beardless appearance, but one that helped initiate some important conversations.
“I think that starting the conversation shows more strength than avoiding it. It’s never popular to talk about health issues around the lunch table. I can speak from experience doing just that in November,” Mike reflects. “For me, Movember always lined up with physical health, specifically prostate and testicular cancer. Getting the opportunity to learn more about mental health, addiction and suicide prevention opened up new conversations with a broader health lens.”
Best mustache
Mike showed his class that starting conversations and addressing stigma about men’s health can start in small and lighthearted ways. “I was wearing a giant billboard on my face in the form of a mustache”, Mike tells amusingly. “And CNC’s Health and Wellness team handed out gifts to the participating students in recognition of their commitment to health through November.”
Credit where credit is due, Mike’s active participation in Movember got him the most votes for “Best Mustache” by members of the
CNC Student Union. “I’ve never had a mustache not accompanied by a beard. I’m not sure I’m a fan of how it looks on my face to be honest. Although I can’t wait to grow my beard back, it has done exactly what it was meant to: start conversations!”
Consultation is available for CNC students, faculty and staff to discuss their concerns and seek support for students. Students who are experiencing distress or personal difficulties are encouraged to connect with the Health and Wellness team for
counselling services and wellness coaching. Medical care (at no cost) is available to Prince George CNC students and staff on campus at the
Health and Wellness Centre.
In addition to resources on campus, post-secondary students in B.C. can access free, confidential support and resources through
Here2Talk.
The organization behind Movember also has a free interactive
online tool that provides practical guidance on how to listen and talk to the men we care about who might be struggling.