International Childhood Heart Disease Awareness Month

Many people are unaware of childhood heart disease (CHD) – and its prevalence in Australia. February is the time to support Australia’s little battlers in the fight against heart disease. The month of February brings Valentine’s Day, so why not celebrate by helping a heart in need?

Did you know?

• Childhood heart disease is the single biggest killer of children under the age of one in Australia.
• Eight babies are born with a heart defect in Australia every day. That is almost 3,000 every year.

Get involved in the fight against heart disease this February by:

• Making a donation
• Volunteering with HeartKids Australia in events such as Sweetheart Day
• Participating in a fundraiser
• Raising awareness on social media.

For further information visit https://www.heartkids.org.au

Cupid’s Undie Run

The Cupid’s Undie Run is held throughout mid February, raising awareness for the Children’s Tumour Foundation, raising funds to support adults, children, and families affected by neurofibromatosis (NF). NF causes tumours to grow on nerves throughout the body, affecting major organs, and can lead to blindness, bone abnormalities, deafness, disfigurement and learning disabilities.

There is still no cure and frighteningly few treatment options, but there is hope to change this with the funds raised through Cupid’s Undie Run.

It is estimated that there are more than 10,000 Australians currently living with this disorder.

Get involved this February by:

• Participating in the Cupid’s Undie Run
• Volunteering at the event
• Making a donation
• Raising awareness on social media

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

International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation

Female genital mutilation (FGM) reflects deep-rooted inequality between the sexes, constituting an extreme form of discrimination against women and girls through procedures that involve altering or injuring the female genitalia for non-medical reasons.

“Globally, it is estimated that at least 200 million girls and women alive today have undergone some form of female genital mutilation”

Get involved in enforcing basic human rights across the world through:

• Public awareness
• Charity fundraisers
• Hash tagging #End FGM.

For more information visit: http://www.un.org/en/events/femalegenitalmutilationday/

World Cancer Day 2018

World Cancer Day is an opportunity to unite the world’s population in the fight against cancer.

It aims to save millions of preventable deaths each year by raising awareness and education about the disease, pressing governments and individuals across the world to take action.

The goal is to ensure fewer people develop cancer, more people are successfully treated and that there is a better quality of life for people during treatment and beyond.

Currently, 8.8 million people die from cancer worldwide every year, out of which, 4 million people die prematurely (aged 30 to 69 years).

Get involved in the fight against cancer by:

• Raising awareness on social media
• Organising a fundraiser
• Volunteering
• Making a donation

For more information, visit: http://www.worldcancerday.org/

Febfast 2018

Febfast aims to give individuals the tools and opportunity to reflect, change and break existing routines that inhibit wellness, starting with alcohol consumption. Febfast is Australia’s flagship fundraiser for young people living with serious disadvantages. From mental health issues, abuse and neglect, to not having a safe place to stay or relying on drugs to cope in this world, these young people face unimaginable journeys.

February is febfast month, a time set aside for giving up alcohol and sugar with the proceeds benefiting disadvantaged youth.

In 2014-15, 17.4% of adults aged 18 years and over consumed more than two standard drinks per day on average, exceeding the lifetime risk guideline. 

Get involved in the fight for better health by:

• Raising awareness on social media
• Organising a fundraiser
• Volunteering
• Making a donation

For more information: http://www.febfast.org.au/

World Leprosy Day 2018

Leprosy is one of the oldest diseases known to humankind. It is also known as Hansen’s disease. The aim of this day is to raise awareness of a disease that many people believe to be extinct, when in fact around 210,000 new cases are diagnosed each year, and millions more people are living undiagnosed. The aim of World Leprosy Day is to change this attitude and increase public awareness of the fact that leprosy can now be easily prevented and cured.

To get involved :

• Donate
• Volunteer
• Organise a campaign
• Raise awareness on social media

For more information: https://www.lepra.org.uk/world-leprosy-day

Kidney Health Australia – Big Red BBQ 2018

Big Red BBQ is a fun campaign bringing individuals, work places and organisations together to host a barbeque with family, friends and colleagues in support of Kidney Health Australia. Kidneys play a vital role in the daily workings of our body. This day aims to raise awareness and ensure good functionality of kidneys.

“One of 3 Australians are at risk of kidney disease.”

To get involved:

• Consider hosting your very own Big Red BBQ in support of Kidney Health Australia.
• Make a donation
• Volunteer
• Raise awareness on social media

For more information: http://kidney.org.au/connect/events/big-red-bbq-external

Australia Day 2018

HAPPY AUSTRALIA DAY 2018!!!

Waitara Family Medical Practice

wishes

you and your family

a happy and safe Australia Day,

celebrating with family and friends.

NSW School Vaccination Program

NSW Health works in partnership with schools to offer the vaccines recommended for adolescents in a school-based vaccination program. These are essential vaccines that allow optimum individual health as well as public health.

These vaccines are given at school through parental permission; however, if your child is absent on the day, parents are advised that free catch-up vaccination is available at their local GP during the school year only.

For more information, visit: http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/immunisation/Pages/schoolvaccination.aspx

To check your immunisation records or request a vaccine, book an appointment with Waitara Family Medical reception at 02 8038 1070.

Healthy Diet 

Did you know?
More than 90% of Australians don’t eat enough fruit or vegetables.

Healthy diet is important for your general well being and allows prevention of health issues such as diabetes or hypertension. It is necessary to ensure uptake of all necessary nutritional elements in the healthy food pyramid.

Visit the GP to discuss a healthy diet and lifestyle plan.

For more information or an appointment, contact Waitara Family Medical reception at 02 8038 1070.