R U OK? Day falls on Thursday 10 September this year. It’s a national day of action when Australians are reminded that every day is the day to ask, “Are you OK?”. This years message is “there’s more to say after R U OK?”. 2020 has been a challenging year for everyone and circumstances have made it even more important for everyone to stay connected and, for those who are able, be willing to support those around them.

“20% of Australians experience a common mental health disorder during a 12-month period.”

Visit the R U OK? Day website for tips on how to ask someone if they are okay, listen with an open mind, encourage action and check in with them.

Get involved this September by:

• Starting a conversation with friends and family
• Hosting an event
• Fundraising at work or in the community
• Volunteering with the organisation

For more information, visit:
https://www.ruok.org.au/join-r-u-ok-day

This year, Women’s Health Week runs 7 to 11 September and strives to encourage women to check in on their health and make positive changes that can last a lifetime. With COVID-19 impacting 2020, it’s as important as ever for everyone to look after their overall health and wellbeing.

“Nearly half (44%) of the total burden of disease for females is from cancer, musculoskeletal conditions, and cardiovascular disease.” (AIHW)

Women’s Health Week is a nation-wide campaign of events and online activities dedicated to improving women’s health and centred on helping individuals to make healthier life choices.

Get involved this September by:

• Hosting a fundraiser
• Getting your workplace involved
• Spreading the word to friends and family
• Looking after your own health

For more information, visit:
https://www.womenshealthweek.com.au/

from everyone at Waitara Family Medical Practice!

PKD Awareness Day falls on September 4th and is dedicated to raising awareness for Polycystic Kidney Disease. Many people have never heard of PKD even though it affects more than 25 thousand Australians. It is a lifelong genetic disease where cysts form and make both kidneys enlarged which can often lead to kidney failure.

“Kidney and urinary diseases accounted for 1.4% of Australia’s total burden of disease in 2015.”

Currently there is no cure for PKD. Early detection can help reduce or prevent some complications through early treatment. PKD is a common cause of kidney failure in Australia, with men and women affected equally.

Get involved this September by:

• Spreading awareness on social media
• Donating to the organisation
• Educating friends and family about PKD

For more information, visit:
https://pkdaustralia.org/pkd-awareness-day/

This year National Stroke Week is runs from 31 August to 6 September and calls upon everyone to be a ‘F.A.S.T Hero’ by learning and sharing the F.A.S.T message and calling 000 straight away if you suspect someone is having a stroke.

The FAST test is an easy way to recognise and remember the signs of stroke. Using the FAST test involves asking these simple questions:
Face – Check their face. Has their mouth drooped?
Arms – Can they lift both arms?
Speech – Is their speech slurred? Do they understand you?
Time – Time is critical. If you see any of these signs, call 000 straight away.

“Around 30% of stroke survivors are of working age (under the age of 65).”

Become a F.A.S.T Hero by familiarising yourself with these signs and potentially save the life of a loved one, a colleague, a stranger or even yourself. By learning and sharing the F.A.S.T. message and calling triple 000 straight away if you suspect a stroke you can help fight strokes.

Fight stroke this September by:

• Volunteering with the organisation
• Donating to the foundation
• Raising awareness on social media
• Organising a fundraiser or virtual activity
• But MOST IMPORTANTLY, taking charge of your own health

For more information, visit:
https://strokefoundation.org.au/How-you-can-help/Stroke-week

The ATF Gold Bow Day highlights the increase in thyroid cancer and gives support to thyroid cancer patients undergoing Radio-Active Iodine Treatment.

The two loops of the ATF Gold Bow symbolise the Thyroid Gland, one gland on either side of the neck. The Gold colour symbolises that your Thyroid Gland is more valuable to you than gold!

The ATF Gold Bow Day highlights the increase in Thyroid Cancer, with the most recent research from 2008 stating, thyroid cancer had increased by 84% in women and 40% in men over the previous 10 years.

Wear your Gold Bow, the symbol of The Australian Thyroid Foundation with pride. Funds raised from the sale of Gold Bows goes towards supporting the work of The Australian Thyroid Foundation.

Get involved this September by:

• Wearing your gold bow
• Donating to the foundation
• Raising awareness on social media

For more information, visit:
https://thyroidfoundation.org.au/Australian-Thyroid-Foundation-Awareness-Events

International Overdose Awareness Day falls on 31st August each year and aims to raise awareness of overdose and reduce the stigma surrounding drug-related deaths. This day provides an opportunity to acknowledge the grief of friends and family who have had a loved one die or suffer permanent injury from a drug overdose.

“In 2016, Australia recorded 1,808 drug-induced deaths , the highest number in 20 years. “

International Overdose Awareness Day is also a chance to encourage discussion about evidence-based overdose prevention and drug policy, and spread the message that drug overdose is preventable. One of the goals of hosting this day includes educating the community about the issue of fatal and non-fatal overdose and provide information on the support services available.

Get involved this August by:

• Making a donation
• Hosting an activity
• Posting a tribute
• Spreading awareness on social media

For more information, visit:
https://www.overdoseday.com/

Daffodil Day Appeal falls on Friday 28th August this year, assisting the Cancer Council to conduct life-saving cancer research. This day offers an opportunity for everyone to come together and offer support for all Australians diagnosed with cancer.

145,000 Australians are diagnosed with cancer each year.

Daffodil Day is an appeal to working towards a cancer-free future through scientific research and effective preventative measures such as cancer screening. The funds raised through Daffodil Day also assists those affected by cancer by providing access to Cancer Council’s support services.

Get involved this August by:

• Donating online
• Volunteering
• Spreading awareness on social media

For more information, visit:
https://www.daffodilday.com.au/event/daffodil-day/home
https://www.cancer.org.au/get-involved/events/daffodil-day/

This year, Speech Pathology Week is running from 23-29 August, with the theme ‘communicating with confidence’. One key focus of this week is to promote speech pathology and recognise the impact speech pathology has on those Australians experiencing a communication disability affecting their daily lives.

“1.2 million Australians live with communication disability.”

Speech Pathology Week also highlights the importance of communication (which includes more than just speech) and seeks to educate the broader community about communication disabilities which are largely ‘invisible’. Speech Pathology Australia aims to empower individuals to be more confident in their communication and help maximise educational, health and social outcomes.

Get involved this August by:

• Raising awareness of communication disabilities on social media
• Educating yourself on ways to successfully communicate
• Sharing successful communication tips with friends and family

For more information, visit:
https://www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/

August is Tradies National Health Month, and the Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) is raising awareness of the risks posed to those who work in trade occupations—among individuals, their families, employers and the wider community.

“Aussie tradies make up 30 per cent of the Australian workforce, yet they account for a staggering 56 per cent in serious claims for worker’s compensation.”

While there have been improvements, Australia’s trade industry continues to have among the highest health and safety issues of any sector. Time off work due to poor health and injury has a significant impact on families, businesses and communities. This impact will grow if steps are not taken to change behaviour. Anyone can get behind Tradies National Health Month.

Get involved this August by:

• Spreading awareness on social media
• Raising awareness about safety at work
• Visiting www.tradieshealth.com.au for more ways to make a difference

For more information, visit:
https://choose.physio/tradieshealth/getinvolved