World Osteoporosis Day 2018

This is an initiative designed to raise awareness of the importance of maintaining good bone health.

This year the theme is focused on the important issue of spinal fractures.

It’s true, any type of broken bone from poor bone health is serious. But spinal fractures are the most undiagnosed type of fracture.

“There are approximately 12,000 spinal cord injuries each year,which are associated with a significant mortality rate.”

Height loss, curved back and sudden unexplained back pain are all warning signs. If osteoporosis is diagnosed there are positive steps to help manage your bone health.

To get involved this October:

• Raise awareness on social media
• Donate to the foundation
• Volunteer

For more information, visit: https://www.osteoporosis.org.au/world-osteoporosis-day-2018

National Carers Week 2018

National Carer’s Week is an opportunity to raise awareness of the efforts and commitments made by carer’s around the country. There are over 2.8 million family and friend carers in Australia providing 36 million hours of care and support every week to a family member or friend who has a disability, mental illness, drug and/or alcohol dependency, chronic condition, terminal illness or who is frail.

“Should all carers decide to stop performing their caring role, it would cost the country $60.3 billion per year to replace those supports – that’s over $1 billion per week.”

Make a difference this October by:

• Informing carers of your appreciation
• Organising a fundraiser
• Raising awareness on social media
• Volunteering to be a carer

For more information , visit: http://www.carersweek.com.au/

World Mental Health Day 2018

World Mental Health Day is observed on 10 October every year, with the overall objective of raising awareness of mental health issues around the world and mobilizing efforts in support of mental health.

“Half of all mental illness begins by the age of 14, but most cases go undetected and untreated”

“Suicide is the second leading cause of death among 15-29-year-olds.”

The Day provides an opportunity for all stakeholders working on mental health issues to talk about their work, and what more needs to be done to make mental health care a reality for people worldwide.

Get involved this October by:

• Informing the community
• Taking care of your mental health
• Raising awareness on social media
• Volunteering

For more information: http://www.who.int/mental_health/world-mental-health-day/2018/en/

World Cerebral Palsy Day 2018

World Cerebral Palsy Day is a movement of people with cerebral palsy and their families, and the organisations that support them, in more than 65 countries. The vision is to ensure that children and adults with cerebral palsy (CP) have the same rights, access and opportunities as anyone else in our society. It is only together, that we can make that happen.

“There are 17 million people across the world living with cerebral palsy (CP).”

Get involved this October by:

• Volunteering with the foundation
• Donating
• Organising a fundraiser
• Raising awareness on social media
• Sharing your stor

For more information, visit: https://worldcpday.org/

Sleep Awareness Week 2018

Sleep Awareness Week is a campaign designed to ascertain the importance of a good sleep schedule in maintaining good health. The campaign also seeks to raise awareness about the various sleeping disorders and their impact on human life. This Sleep Awareness Week the Sleep Health Foundation is turning its attention to the role of caffeine in our society. Therefore, the primary question is: “Could caffeine be masking a sleep disorder”.

“More than 1.5 million Australian adults, 9% of the adult population, now suffer from sleep disorders.”

To get involved:

• Raise awareness on social media
• Donate to the foundation
• Organise a fundraiser

For more information, visit: https://www.sleephealthfoundation.org.au/sleep-awareness-week-2018.html

Dementia Awareness Month 2018

Dementia Awareness Month is Dementia Australia’s national awareness-raising campaign held every year throughout September.

Its aim is to encourage all Australians to become more aware of dementia, to get a better understanding of what it is like to live with dementia and how we can support people living with dementia.

This year’s theme is Small actions Big difference.

There are many small actions people can take to create a big difference for people impacted by dementia, their families and carers.

“Dementia is the second leading cause of death of Australians contributing to 5.4% of all deaths in males and 10.6% of all deaths in females each year”

Get involved this September by:

• Organising your own fundraiser
• Raising awareness on social media
• Donating to the foundation

For more information, visit: https://www.dementia.org.au/dementia-awareness-month

Dystonia Awareness Week 2018

Dystonia awareness week is a campaign designed to increase community engagement and awareness of the condition and to provide appropriate, researched information for adults and children with dystonia, their carers and interested health providers.

Dystonia is a neurological movement disorder that makes it difficult for people to control their muscles. It can cause abnormal twisting or positions in part(s) of the body along with spasms or tremors.

“Currently, there are no medications or treatments to prevent dystonia or slow its progression, nor is there a cure. “

Get involved this September by:

• Raising awareness on social media
• Informing the community
• Volunteering with the foundation
• Making a donation

For more information, visit: https://www.dystonia.org.au/what-is-dystonia/

Liptember 2018

Liptember is a campaign  dedicated to raising funds and awareness for women’s mental health whilst informing the community of specific women’s mental health research and support programs.

“One in three Australian women will suffer depression or anxiety during their lifetime.”

“Postnatal depression affects 15% of women within the first year after childbirth.”

Get involved this September by:

• Purchasing a Liptember lipstick from a participating store
• Volunteering with the foundation
• Organising your own fundraiser
• Raising awareness on social media

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

Big Heart Appeal 2018

The Heart Foundation saves lives and improves health through funding world-class cardiovascular research, guidelines for health professionals, informing the public and assisting people with cardiovascular disease.

As a charity, the Heart Foundation relies on donations and gifts in wills to continue lifesaving research, education and health promotion work.

The Big Heart Appeal is one such opportunity for the community to realise the overwhelming spread of cardiovascular diseases and make a contribution to the Heart Foundation to ensure that they continue their work into such important research

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major cause of death in Australia, with one Australian dying every 12 minutes. 

Get involved this September by:

• Raising awareness on social media
• Donate to the foundation
• Organise a fundraiser
• Informing the community of the benefits of eating healthier

For more information, visit: https://www.heartfoundation.org.au/campaigns/big-heart-appeal/big-heart-appeal-2018

Prostate Cancer Awareness Month 2018

September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month and the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia is asking Australia to get involved and help create awareness and raise the much needed funds to help in the fight against prostate cancer.

“Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men in Australia with 20,000 diagnosis and close to 3,500 deaths each year.”

All men over 50 – or over 40 are encouraged –  if you have a family history – to talk with your GP about your prostate health.

Become a part this September by:

• Volunteering with the foundation
• Donating
• Raising awareness on social media
• Informing the community

For more information, visit: http://www.prostate.org.au/get-involved/events/find-an-event/prostate-cancer-awareness-month-2018/