Community & Business
25 November, 2021
Row of ‘Mos’ grows awareness
A ROW of “Mo’s” currently gracing the lawn on front of the Community, Allied and Mental Health Building at Atherton Hospital is raising awareness about men’s health.
The “Movember - Rows of Mo’s 2021” reflects the farming community of the Atherton Tablelands, with the Blue Mo’s representing prostate cancer, Yellow Mo’s representing testicular cancer and the Black Mo’s to create awareness about male suicide rates.
Acting Nurse Unit Manager of Atherton Hospital Surgical ward Colin Newnham says it is his first time participating in the Movember campaign.
“Our intention is to raise awareness of the important men’s health issues as people pass by the Community Health Centre. It has had particularly good exposure this year with our COVID vaccine clinic seeing a lot of attendees pass through,” he said.
“Our goal is to display the “Rows of Mo’s” until the end of “Movember” culminating in an awards ceremony at the Atherton Hospital for staff and local businesses,”
Mr Newnham said he had been prompted to participate in the Movember campaign through his role as a clinical nurse in oncology.
“Working in oncology as a clinical nurse has made me more aware of the impact of cancer on men and their families. The opportunity to participate and contribute to raising awareness through the “Movember” campaign is a practical way of contributing to improving men’s health and supporting men in our community,” he said.
“The message is simple: Early detection and treatment of both Prostate Cancer and Testicular Cancer leads to much better outcomes for men. “Movember” is a great way to encourage men to speak up if they have concerns.”
At the end of Movember, the hospital hosts a morning tea for staff and to announce the winners of a light-hearted competition.
Trophies are awarded in six categories - Best Mo, Best Fake Mo, Best supporting act, Encouragement award, Best Non Hospital Mo and Special judges award.
