Jamestown (JRMC)   — Men’s health below the belt can make a person squeamish, but ignoring symptoms can have a devastating effect.

Jamestown Regional Medical Center, urologist, Dr. Robert Bates says, “Silence can be our worst enemy. Talking about these issues and seeing a specialist are the necessary steps to below-the-belt health.”

To start those hairy conversations, Jamestown Regional Medical Center is holding a #GROWvember beard-growing contest. The contest runs through Tuesday, Nov. 27.

Misinformation about men’s health issues is abundant, Dr. Bates said, in part because it’s so private.

Important questions you ‘mustache’ yourself: How often do you go to the bathroom? When you go, is it urgent? Do you have blood in your urine?

Dr. Bates adds, various treatment options are available locally. Patients can self-refer, meaning they don’t have to visit their primary physician first. They can make an appointment directly at JRMC. That cuts down on embarrassing conversations.

The #GROWvember contest is free to grow and $10 per beard to compete for prizes. Prizes awarded include but are not limited to: Longest beard, Best Styled Beard, Best Mustache and Cashiest ‘Stache. All proceeds benefit JRMC’s upcoming Cancer Center.

A special event to announce the winners is set for Tuesday, Nov. 27 at Shady’s Restaurant & Lounge. The event begins with a social at 5 p.m. followed by awards at 6 p.m. Tickets area available in advance for $10 or at the door for $15. Tickets include appetizers and a beverage. A full list of rules is available at www.jrmcnd.com/growvember.

Let’s move from embarrassed to empowered.

To register a team or donate, visit http://growvember.everydayhero.do/ .

To schedule an appointment, call JRMC Urology at (701) 952-4878.

About Jamestown Regional Medical Center

Jamestown Regional Medical Center is located at 2422 20th St. SW, Jamestown, N.D. and serves approximately 55,000 people in nine counties. In 2018, it was named a “Top 100 Critical Access Hospital” as well as a “Best Places to Work in Healthcare.”  For more information, visit www.jrmcnd.com or call (701) 952-1050.