If you notice more men sprouting facial hair above their lips, it’s probably because this is the month of Movember. The mustache movement is designed to draw attention to men’s health concerns, particularly prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health, and suicide prevention. 

Movember began in Australia in 2003 and has grown to include more than 20 countries.

Get a Move On for Men's Health

In the US, men’s fitness has become a hallmark of the movement. You can register on the Movember website to set a 30-day exercise challenge (such as running a race or learning to rock climb), track your progress, and raise funds for a men’s health initiative. 

Physical inactivity is a risk factor for many diseases, including certain cancers. Exercise is an easy, cost-effective strategy, but more than 40 percent of men in “high-income countries” don’t exercise enough, according to Movember staff.

Movember has funded more than 1,250 men’s health projects worldwide. “We’re independent of government funding, so we can challenge the status quo and invest quicker in what works,” states the organization’s website. “By 2030 we’ll reduce the number of men dying prematurely by 25 percent.”

No-Shave November

A similar organization called No-Shave November suggests that men skip their usual hair-grooming expenses this month and donate the savings toward cancer research. 

“Since 2009, No-Shavers have helped raise over $12,000,000 for cancer awareness, research and prevention,” according to the organization’s website, which lists Fans for the Cure, American Cancer Fund, and National Foundation for Cancer Research among the beneficiaries of donations.

Have you ever woken up and started a day not realizing that this day would include a conversation that would change your life forever? I was recently introduced to forest bathing, and my life is on a new path now.

According to National Geographic (essentially the godfather of global knowledge), forest bathing originated in Japan in the early 1980s with the name Shinrin-yoku (translated on the Google to forest-well). There were a few purposes for this movement; it tore people away from the new era of technology taking hold while promoting interest in Japan’s forests (sparking interest to invest in protecting them). Twenty-four forests participated as hosts for people to come and bathe. People gravitated to this movement, and it grew to be a global phenomenon. Forests all over the world are now bathing people every day.

How do I sign up for a forest bath, you may wonder? It is simple—you take a walk in the woods. Welcome to your new life's path. You can now forest bathe within your own community. I support you in this endeavor, no soap needed. I walked through the woods in my backyard this morning to find my cat: let's call it my morning bath. 

When a special name is attached to a basic activity it can really bring out the magic that exists in that activity. I stand outside barefoot on a regular basis – then I found out this is called earthing. Now it's like I am leveling up when I forget to grab shoes on my way out of the house. Really, I am performing the act of earthing. Forest bathing is a way to level up your time with trees. You are not simply taking a walk, getting some exercise, a break from the people in your home, or avoiding the tasks that keep staring at you by hiding in the trees. No, you are in fact engaging in the act of forest bathing, You have leveed up. 

So get out there! The science shows there are physiological benefits from walking in the woods. In fact, when forest bathing originated in Japan, studies were done on the people who bathed. The results showed lower blood pressure, lower concentrations of cortisol, lower pulse rates and more, compared with people in city environments. In case it did not occur to you before that a walk in the woods can feel great, now we know to call it forest bathing – and guess what – it is great! 

Watch us take on the Paqui #OneChipChallenge, as Amy plots spicy revenge on Lynn! Can she take the heat of the dreaded Carolina Reaper Pepper?

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In this episode of Trendspotting, the kids come by the office to try out some snacks from our friends at Happy Family Brands.

Music by Bensound.com

This week Lynn and Amy talk about FitTrim.

Don't like taking pills? Try taking your multivitamins in liquid form from Genesis Today!

This week in Trendspotting Shorts, Lynn and Amy try brushing their teeth with activated charcoal.

Shout out to My Magic Mud and Radius.

Lynn and Amy discuss the movement of Movember and No Shave November. Enter both of our GIVEAWAYS below to win some shaving products for when December comes!

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In our first episode of Trendspotting, Lynn, Amy, and Ashley give their opinions on natural Halloween treats that are available.

Watch as they hilariously eat and give their opinions.

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