Dubai
Gulf News readers are actively participating in the global campaign, Movember.
Babul Akhtar, a director of community management at a Dubai-based company, is participating in the campaign with his colleagues for the second time.
He said: “We hope to raise money and the level of awareness regarding men’s health. We shaved off our facial hair on November 1 and will be growing moustaches to participate in this campaign. The ‘Mo Bros’ for this year comprise of eight staff members.”
In 2014, Akhtar and his colleagues managed to raise around Dh1,000 for the cause and hope to “build on that success”.
He said: “Movember is all good fun but it also gives us a chance to highlight issues, which may not be openly discussed. We’re pleased to be able to play a small part in this global effort.”
Wissam Otaky, an entrepreneur based in Dubai, is also participating for the second time. Last year, he managed to raise $3,192 (Dh11,746.56) for charity.
He said: “Things such as men’s health are routinely ignored, especially in the Arab world. Men do not always take their health into consideration, until it is too late. I think a lot of awareness is required.”
Adam Khattab, a student based in Sharjah, is participating for the first time.
He said: “I came across the campaign through social media channels. Additionally, a few of my friends used to talk about it every year, and I observed how they would prepare themselves for Movember, posting pictures of themselves with and without moustaches. They seemed to be having fun in doing so and since it was for a cause, I decided, why not? Most of the people I know are already participating. I see their posts with the famous #Movember, which is great!”
Khattab believes that the issue of men’s health is taken seriously by health professionals, but some men seem to be negligent towards it.
He said: “It is highly dependent on us men as to how we are able to treat the subject of health issues. Some of us may be a little too negligent towards it. And this is why some people think men’s health issues are not taken seriously globally. Unfortunately, even I have not done any health checks. But, after learning about this campaign, I am looking forward to getting a check really soon. My parents, on the other hand, get monthly health checkups.”
Paul Uglesic, an executive assistant manager at a Dubai-based hotel, first came across the campaign in Australia.
He said: “I have lived in Dubai since January this year. I first saw friends participating in Australia, and this year I am participating for the first time. The male heads of departments are all growing moustaches this month and we are also encouraging the staff to do the same. This way, we will further spread cancer awareness to our staff members and they will in turn pass it onto the hotel guests. The hotel I work at is for the second year actively promoting men’s health in November and also promoted women’s health in October. We run weekly themed brunches for both events and encourage guests to let us donate 10 per cent of their bill to charity. We also sell themed cupcakes decorated with moustaches and pink ribbons in our cake shop with the proceeds going to charity.”
According to Uglesic, they have managed to raise a good amount of funds for charity and he is donating at a personal level, too.
He said: “I believe men tend to take their health quite lightly and usually prioritise other things, for example a man is more likely to take care of his car instead of taking care of himself and his health. Unfortunately, I lost my father to cancer when I was 16 and was recommended to start medical checks from the age of 35. After his passing, I constantly urged my mother to stop smoking and look after her health.”
The month of Movember is not restricted to male participants. Females, who are called ‘Mo Sistas’, can help out by raising awareness through social media channels, too.
Malika Omar, a pianist based in Dubai, is doing her bit.
She said: “With social media platforms, awareness for many health campaigns has increased and thus reaches more people, which is wonderful. I was approached by a brand to be a part of their Movember campaign to raise awareness for general health amongst both men and women. We are trying to get people in the region as health conscious as they are fashion conscious. I make sure that I provide suggestions that will help my supporters live healthy, happy lives. I share thoughts and tips to increase well-being and promote good health. I use my music to shed light on a number of organisations pertaining to medical care and the underprivileged.”
When asked about the issue of men’s health, she said: “I think more can be done to ensure that men focus on their health, fitness and well-being. Perhaps the reason that men’s health issues are not taken seriously is because in many communities, illness is seen as weakness. This is untrue and it actually takes a strong man to admit that he is ill and taking steps to regain good health. It’s important for everyone to go for regular checkups. As my parents are health professionals, they are the ones who remind my siblings and I to get medical checks. It’s suggested to go for an annual, general checkup but I try and go every few months. If an illness is detected early, it’s much quicker and easier to treat.”
