Every year, October is an opportunity to celebrate Mental Health Month in NSW. Everyone is encouraged to think about their mental health and wellbeing. It also provides an opportunity to recognise the importance of good mental health, and encourage people to seek help when they need it.

The theme of Mental Health Month is ‘Tune In’. This is aimed at encouraging everyone to be present and aware of what is happening within themselves as well as in the surroundings, in the community and understand the impact of attitudes.

It is estimated that 45% of people aged 16-85 will experience a mental disorder at some time in their life. (AIHW)

By taking a moment to ‘Tune In’, everyone can have a chance to focus their mind and gain insight about what is going on personally and for others, find new perspectives, build self-awareness and positive connections.

To get involved this October by:

• Tuning into your senses – your feelings
• Tuning into your communities
• Tuning into stigma
• Hosting an event
• Raising awareness on social media

For more information, visit: http://mentalhealthmonth.wayahead.org.au/about-mental-health-month/

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the world’s number one killer, resulting in 18.6 million deaths a year. It has many causes like diabetes, high blood pressure, smoking and obesity.

For the 520 million people living with CVD, COVID-19 has been heartbreaking. Many have been afraid to attend routine and emergency appointments, and have become isolated from friends and family.

This year on World Heart Day, the World Heart Federation is asking the world to:

USE HEART TO CONNECT

USE HEART TO CONNECT is about using your knowledge, compassion and influence to make sure you, your loved ones and the communities you’re part of have the best chance to live heart-healthy lives. It’s about connecting with our own hearts, making sure we’re fuelling and nurturing them as best we can, and using the power of digital to connect every heart, everywhere.

Get involved this September by:

• Spreading awareness of heart health to friends and family
• Undertaking activities which promote heart health
• Raising awareness on social media

For more information, visit: https://world-heart-federation.org/world-heart-day/about-whd/world-heart-day-2021/

Dementia Awareness Month: You Are Not Alone

Australians are being encouraged to find out more about dementia during Dementia Awareness Month, in September, so people living with the condition feel less isolated and alone. It aims to encourage all Australians to become more aware of dementia, gain a better understanding of what it is like to live with dementia and how we can support people living with dementia.

• Dementia is the second leading cause of death of Australians
• In 2021, there are an estimated 472,000 Australians living with dementia
• Females account for 64.5% of all dementia related deaths

There are many small actions people can take to create a big difference for people impacted by dementia, their families and carers. We can all work towards being aware of dementia and actively reducing the stigma and discrimination surrounding it.

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/media-releases/dementia-awareness-month
https://www.dementia.org.au/statistics

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

Prostate cancer: The facts

• Prostate cancer remains the most common cancer in Australian men, claiming the lives of nine men every single day.
• Nearly 17,000 men will be diagnosed this year.
• Many of these men will experience anxiety and depression as a result of their cancer, facing a 70% increased risk of suicide death.
• Men often suffer in silence – 72% do not reach out for help with what they are going through.

Promoting Prostate Cancer Awareness Month allows vital funds to be raised for lifesaving research, awareness, and support programs.

Get involved by learning about support groups and programs available as well as events you can be a part of through Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia.

Be a part of Prostate Cancer Awareness Month this September by:

• Volunteering with the foundation
• Donating
• Raising awareness on social media
• Informing the community
• Speaking with your GP about your prostate health

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

Dystonia awareness month is designed to inform the community of the spreading condition and urge the community to join in helping those which are affected.

Dystonia is a Neurological Movement Condition which affects adults and children. It can affect any part of the body and causes muscles to contract or spasm. This may cause pain, tremors, twisting and other uncontrollable movements.

There are several different forms of dystonia that may affect only one muscle, groups of muscles, or muscles throughout the body. Some forms of dystonia are genetic but the cause for most cases is not known.

To get involved this September:

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

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

R U OK? Day falls on 9 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 YEAR THE MESSAGE IS:
Are they really OK? Ask them today.

Do you know how the people in your world are really going?

Life’s ups and downs happen to all of us. So chances are someone you know might be struggling. Your genuine support can make a difference whatever they are facing, big or small. 

So, don’t wait until someone’s visibly distressed or in crisis. Make a moment meaningful and ask them how they’re really going. Are they really OK? Ask them today. Your conversation could change a life. 

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 6 to 10 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 everyone, 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 Waitara Family Medical PracticeTeam

SEPTEMBER 4TH 2021

Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a lifelong, genetic disease, that worsens over time as fluid-filled cysts form and enlarge both kidneys, often leading to kidney failure. Though PKD affects more than 25 thousand Australians and millions worldwide, many people have never heard of this disease. Together, we can change that! The more people that know about PKD, the closer we can get to additional treatments and a cure!

*Today is #PKDAwarenessDay, please help #ENDPKD by spreading awareness of Polycystic Kidney Disease

*Did you know that Polycystic Kidney Disease causes fluid-filled cysts to form and enlarge both kidneys?

*ADPKD affects around 25,000 Australians and millions worldwide as the 4th leading cause of kidney failure

*PKDAwarenessDay #ENDPKD ARPKD affects 1 in 20,000 children, with 1 in 3 needing dialysis or transplant by the age of 10

PKD Awareness Day

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!

About 2900 people are diagnosed with thyroid cancer each year in Australia. Thyroid cancer can occur at any age. It affects almost three times as many women as men – it is the seventh most common cancer affecting Australian women of all ages, and the most common cancer diagnosed in women aged 20–24. (1)

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