Buffalo Grove police supports 'Movember' Campaign

Members of the Buffalo Grove Police Department are calling attention to men's health through their involvement in the "Movember" Campaign. Several agency members are supporting the cause by joining the department's "Team BGPD" on the Movember Foundation's website, www.us.movember.com.

The BGPD team includes both male and female staff members, who are demonstrating their support in a variety of ways. Male department members are encouraged to grow out their facial hair in the form of mustaches, goatees, and well groomed beards to draw attention to the issue of men's health.

The female participants use their voices to help spread information about men's health and fitness, as well as the importance of regular checkups with one's doctor.

Men's health is a topic not often spoken about, but one that should be. Testicular and prostate cancers, along with poor mental health and suicide ideation, are problems men too often face alone.

Each year, more than 500,000 men take their lives, according to the Movember Foundation. The goal is to reduce the number of men who die prematurely by 25 percent, whether it is due to cancer or suicide, by the year 2030.

The foundation has raised more than $61 million globally. More than 76 percent of those funds are donated directly to trusted projects supporting men's health, including The Prostate Cancer Foundation, Livestrong Foundation and The Prevention Institute.

In addition, all funds given to their men's health partners are required to be used for research and approved programs; no funds are to be used for marketing or promotional costs.

The Buffalo Grove Police Department has raised more than $4,000 in the last three years and hopes to encourage employees and community members to promote men's health.

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