Today’s post is a bit light-hearted but it is one of my favorite things….BEARDS!  This is the time of year where I typically grow a beard.  I actually started growing my current beard at the end of September and have a pretty good beard going.  Contrary to popular opinion, there isn’t a bad time to grow a beard.  A summer beard is actually quite protective.  Don’t believe me?

Anyone can try out the beard look thanks to the Duck Dynasty Beard Yourself app on Facebook. Click the bearded baby to try it out…

A 2011 research project by the University of Southern Queensland found that “beards block 90 to 95 percent of UV rays, thereby slowing the aging process and reducing the risk of skin cancer.”  Take that sunscreen!  The research also found that facial hair, specifically a mustache, helps to filter out pollen and dust.  Dr. Clifford W. Bassett of Allergy and Asthma Care of NY affirmed that bigger beards and mustaches snare more pollutants.  And beards also retain moisture and protect against other forces like wind that can dry out skin.

There is a caveat in the research, beards can spread infection if not properly cared for.  A major source of trouble is food.  A beard can make eating an ice cream cone a comical experience for those who are observing.  Left uncleaned, bacteria can quickly start growing in the beard from residual food.  Cleaning your beard daily is essential.

The health benefits for growing a beard outweigh the possible risks.  Dr. Shannon C. Trotter, a fellow of the Osteopathic College of Dermatology said, “Razors can irritate the skin or even spread bacteria, causing an infection of the hair follicle.”  Most of us have experienced this phenomenon better known as razor rash or folliculitis.

A recent family photo with my beard. I look better with a beard or goatee for sure.

Beards even seem to have special meaning.  Come playoff season for almost any sport you will see players growing beards.  This is especially awkward in women’s sports.  But seriously, there is even a movement called Septembeard that was started recently to raise awareness of prostate cancer.  Art Wagner, organizer of Septembeard and prostate cancer survivor, started the facial hair growth movement to bring attention to prostate cancer.  According to the American Cancer Society 28,000 men die of prostate cancer each year.  Wagner started Septembeard to help bring more visibility to this form of cancer that has more new cases each year than breast cancer.

Beards keep you healthy.  Beards can send a message.  Beards can support a cause.  And in my case, beards make you look good.  Don’t agree?  Did you see what I looked like when I accidentally cut off my goatee earlier this year?

So what are you waiting for?  If you’re a man who can grow a beard you don’t have to do anything extra.  In fact cutting out shaving will save you a few minutes every day.  Are you the wife or a girlfriend of a man with a beard?  Encourage the growth of those life-saving whiskers!  Thanks to the guys on Duck Dynasty and a vast majority of pop culture, there is no better time to grow a beard than now.

This week I also wrote a post over at my other site DIYTreadmillDesk.com about a $4,000 sitting and standing desk and the growing popularity of the active workstation movement.  You can check it out here >>>  Healthy Working Doesn’t Have To Be Expensive.  I am coming up on the 1 year anniversary of my switch to walking and working and I am still loving it.  I average about 20 miles a week at the treadmill desk.