Christian's story: What my 97-year-old grandfather taught me about men's health

He may not have known it, but good men’s health was always in Christian’s DNA. The person who made it clear was his old roommate: his very own 97-year old Greek grandfather, who inspired Christian to become a Mo Bro 12 years ago.

Tell us how you first got involved with Movember.

Back in 2013, a guy at work who was running the office’s Movember campaign left and asked if I could take the reins. I might have taken some liberties, but I begun by almost bothering everyone to get involved. That first year, we had 50-60 people involved across 10 offices. That grew to 350 people in 20 offices, including senior leadership.

Your grandfather is a man who inspired you. What’s the biggest lesson you took from him?

Coincidentally, my papou - my grandfather on my mom’s side - always rocked a mustache. After my grandmother died, he moved in with us and it was amazing to see his daily routine. Every day, he’d ride the old stationary bike and walk laps around the house. He’d complete sudoku puzzles, hit up the YMCA, walk laps in the pool. Then he’d pick up his brother and play backgammon with friends.

What stuck with me is how seriously he took his health. Not just physically, but also mentally and socially. It’s not something that just happens, you have to work on it, and it can lead to a really great, healthy life. And that’s kind of what Movember preaches.

It’s an important message to get out there…

How my grandfather lived his life makes me think, “What about his lifestyle can I share with others?” The money Movember raises definitely helps.

Because change doesn’t happen on its own. The message has to be put in front of them to change mindsets. So over time, men can fully understand, connect and then start to act on it; no one’s going to necessarily look after their health if they don’t think about it.

You’ve got a great analogy about how men’s health could be better, one we’ve not heard before. Mind sharing it?

Folks on my team have heard me say this one a few times: I think many people would understand how to prevent a cavity. You need to brush, floss, check-in with the dentist. But not as many people know how to do the same for prostate cancer, testicular cancer and especially mental health. That’s one thing I’d love to see in the future: men knowing exactly what to do to look after their health, in clear and easy steps, that are practiced as if second nature, like brushing your teeth.