Men, it’s time.

Put down the shaving cream.

Step away from the razor.

It’s time to let the facial hair get gnarly.

Rapides Regional Medical Center’s second No Shave November is just around the corner.

The purpose of No Shave November is two-fold.

The first is to raise awareness of men’s health issues.

Men often take their health for granted and don’t visit a doctor or health care facility unless forced to. The Centers for Disease Control reports women are 100 percent more likely than men to visit the doctor for annual exams and preventive services than men.

Most men should begin receiving regular screenings for prostate and colon cancer beginning at age 50, but a family history of cancer could cause a need to begin screenings at a younger age. In addition, men should receive annual wellness screenings to help prevent other medical conditions from forming or causing more serious damage.

The second purpose of No Shave November is to raise money to help patients of the Rapides Cancer Center afford transportation for treatment.

To participate in No Shave November, all you have to do is grow a beard, mustache, goatee, mutton chop sideburns, soul patch, or some combination, during the month of November.

No Shave November begins on Monday, Nov. 2. Post a picture of yourself to Rapides Regional Medical Center’s Facebook page or tag it at #RapidesNoShave. On Monday, Nov. 30, post another picture with your facial hair. That’s it.

Rapides Regional Medical Center is asking all men who participate to donate $10 to the RRMC Auxiliary’s Cancer Fund to help patients of the Rapides Cancer Center. 

To make an donation, visit the Rapides Regional Medical Center Auxiliary Cancer Fund.