Borough Man is Part of 'Movember' Movement

A Hellertown man is doing his part to raise awareness of men's health issues by participating in a "Movember" event in conjunction with Strategic Style salon for men in Lower Nazareth Township.

Tim Hoyt, who is a massage therapist based at the salon, is growing a mustache as part of the annual event that's attracted worldwide attention since its founding in Australia in 1999.

The purpose of "Movember" (a portmanteau of the words "moustache" and "November") is to raise awareness of men's health issues, such as prostate cancer and other cancers that affect men.

To raise awareness, participants in Movember (a.k.a. "Movember Mo Bros") commit to grow and wear mustaches throughout the month of November, while seeking out sponsorships for their efforts or engaging in fundraising activities that ultimately benefit the Movember Foundation and the charities it supports.

According to the U.S. Movember Foundation website, "Mo Bros effectively become walking, talking billboards for the 30 days of November. Through their actions and words they raise awareness by prompting private and public conversation around the often ignored issue of men’s health."

Women can also become involved in the 30-day effort by becoming "Mo Sistas." In fact, according to the website, in 2010 more than 64,000 Mo Bros and Sistas raised approximately $7.5 million for men's health.

Strategic Style, Hoyt said, is one of the only businesses in the area that is formally participating in Movember this year. In addition to Hoyt, owner/manager John Muscler is also a participant in the campaign. 

As a way to raise funds for the Movember Foundation, Hoyt said 20 percent of proceeds from men's shaves purchased at Strategic Style this month are being donated to the foundation.

The money raised will ultimately benefit both the Prostate Cancer Foundation and LiveStrong (the Lance Armstrong Foundation), he added.

Armstrong, who founded LiveStrong, is a survivor of testicular cancer and a well-known advocate for men's health.

The price of a shave at Strategic Style, which is located on Route 248 at Northwood Avenue, ranges from $15 for an "On the Run" shave to $40 for a "Hot Lather Shave with Facial Massage," according to the salon's website.

At the end of this month, Hoyt said, Strategic Style will host a party to celebrate its participation in Movember, with food and prizes awarded for the best mustache grown.

For more information about the event, call Strategic Style at 610-438-4242, visit their website or check out their Facebook page.