World Thyroid Day (WTD), May 25th, is dedicated to thyroid patients and to all who are committed to the study and treatment of thyroid diseases worldwide. Thyroid disease is a common problem that can cause symptoms because of over- or under-function of the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is an essential organ for producing thyroid hormones, which maintain are body metabolism.

“In Australia there are about 60,000 new cases of thyroid disease each year”

Get involved this May by:

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

For more information, Vvsit:  https://www.thyroidfoundation.org.au/page/1068/thyroid-awareness-month

Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea is an initiative organised to raise awareness and community spirit regarding cancer. Cancer Council’s Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea is a chance for Australians to get together and raise money for a great cause. One dollar at a time you are making a real difference helping to fund Cancer Council’s vital research, prevention and support service programs.

“1 in 2 Australians will be diagnosed with cancer by the age of 85”

Get involved this May by:

• Donating to the foundation
• Organising your own morning tea
• Raising awareness on social media
• Buying merchandise
• Becoming a corporate partner

For more information, visit: https://biggestmorningtea.com.au/

National Palliative Care Week is an initiative to mark the importance of palliative care in the Australian community. The theme for this year’s National Palliative Care Week is ‘What matters most’. The theme addresses the need for Australians to plan ahead for their end-of-life care and discuss it with their loved ones and health professionals.

“People in aged care often have more than one chronic illness which affects their health in different ways. Palliative care can help manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.”

Get involved this May by:

• Joining a twitter conversation
• Getting a conversation going in the community
• Spreading the posters
• Volunteering with the foundation
• Donating

For more information, visit:
https://palliativecare.org.au/national-palliative-care-week

Miracle Month of May is designed to raise awareness and funds for premature and sick newborns, their families and the hospitals that care for them.

“Every year in Australia around 48,000 newborn babies require the help of a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) or Special Care Nursery (SCN). 27,000 of these babies are born premature and up to 1,000 babies lose their fight for life.”

Get involved by:

• Donating to the foundation
• Raising awareness on social media
• Organising a fundraiser
• Volunteering

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

International Nurses Day takes place on 12 May every year and provides an opportunity to recognise nurses around the world for their contribution to health care. The day is celebrated on 12 May as this is the anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s birth, the founder of modern nursing.  This year the theme for International Nurses Day is Nurses: “Nurses A Voice to Lead – Health is a Human right”. 

“Nurses are consistently named one of the most trusted professions, year after year. Taking care of people during times of vulnerability allows nurses to form a special bond with their patients.”

Get involved by:

• Donating
• Showing your appreciation to the nurses in your local community
• Volunteering
• Raising awareness on social media

For more information, visit: http://www.icn.ch/publications/2018-nurses-a-voice-to-lead-health-is-a-human-right/

Functional Fitness classes for seniors are being run by a Physiotherapist in North Turramurra in February / March.

These classes will focus on fall prevention and strength.

For information go to the website
www.kmc.nsw.gov.au/seniors             Or call  02 9420 0000