Category Archives: Waitara Medical News

Waitara Family Medical Practice aims to keep the local community as healthy as possible. We will be posting relevant medical centre news and GP advice.

MND Global Day – 21st June 2021

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Every year the International Alliance of ALS/MND Associations celebrates 21 June as the global day of recognition of ALS/MND – a disease that affects people in every country of the globe. Motor neurone disease (MND) is a global problem. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity or demographic.

June 21 is a solstice – a turning point – and each year the MND foundation undertake a range of activities to express their hope that this day will be another turning point in the search for cause, treatment and cure of MND.

It is a devastating disease that affects over 350,000 of the world’s population, and kills over 100,000 people every year. (1)

Get involved this June by:

  • Volunteering with the foundation
  • Raising awareness on social media
  • Informing family and friends

For more information, visit: 
https://www.mndresearch.org.au/MND-Australia-archive/Global-Day.aspx

Red Apple Day – 16th June 2021

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A highlight of Bowel Cancer Awareness Month is Red Apple Day (June 16th), when Australians are encouraged to support the vital work of Bowel Cancer Australia through organising apple themed fundraising activities.

Bowel cancer claims the lives of 103 Australians every week (5,375 people a year) – but it’s one of the most treatable types of cancer if found early. (1)

Get involved this June by:

  • Organising a fundraiser
  • Raising awareness on social media
  • Purchasing merchandise

For more information, visit:
https://www.bowelcanceraustralia.org/bowel-cancer-awareness-month#RedAppleDay

Men’s Health Week: 14-20 June 2021

Men's Health Week 2018 - Dunlea Centre

Men’s Health Week, running June 14-20 this year, is aimed at raising awareness of preventable health problems and promoting early detection and treatment of diseases for boys and men. This week also provides a platform for discussing and debating key issues surrounding men’s health.

“In 2017, males accounted for 3 in 5 (62%) premature deaths.” (1)

Improving men’s health outcomes requires involvement from both medical services and men, women, and families too. A collaborative approach can create an environment that supports men in their ability to access healthcare effectively .

Get involved this June by:

  • Raising awareness on social platforms
  • Registering a virtual event
  • Making a donation

For more information visit:
http://www.menshealthweek.org.au/about
http://www.menshealthmonth.org/week.html

World Blood Donor Day – 14th June 2021

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World Blood Donor Day falls on 14th of June each year and is designed to thank voluntary, unpaid blood donors for their life-saving gifts of blood. It is also an opportunity to raise awareness of the need for regular blood donations to ensure the quality, safety and availability of blood and blood products for patients in need. These donations can help patients suffering from life-threatening conditions live longer and with a higher quality of life

Transfusion of blood and blood products helps save millions of lives every year.

To get involved in this initiative:

  • Volunteer to make a blood donation
  • Raise awareness on social media
  • Organise a blood donation drive
  • Inform your family and community members

For more information, visit:
https://www.who.int/news-room/campaigns/world-blood-donor-day

Infant Mental Health Awareness Week 2021

AAIMHI - Australian Association for Infant Mental Health

Australian Association for Infant Mental Health  is a national organisation of professionals from many fields who work with infants, young children and their families. They organise this week in a mission to work towards  improving professional and community recognition of infancy and early childhood as a critical time for the development of emotional, physical and mental health.

In the long term, poor infant mental health may negatively impact language acquisition, school performance, cognitive and social development, and emotional regulation.

To get involved this June:

  • Organise a fundraiser
  • Volunteer with the foundation
  • Make a donation
  • Raise awareness on social media

For more information, visit: https://www.aaimhi.org/

Heart Rhythm Week: 7-13 June 2021

Heart Rhythm Week is running from 7-13 June this year. Fainting or syncope is relatively common and in some cases it can be a sign of an arrhythmia (heart rhythm disorder) and should not be ignored. Arrhythmias can affect people of all ages and for some, fainting may be the first indication of a problem.

Heart Rhythm Week aims to raise awareness about this disorder, encourage individuals to seek help if required and share the message, “Don’t Miss A Beat”.

If you think you might have an arrhythmia, see your doctor.

Get involved this June by:

  • Organising a fundraiser
  • Making a donation
  • Raising awareness on social media
  • Conducting a 30 second pulse check

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

Bowel Cancer Awareness Month – June 2021

BCAM 2019 Bowel Cancer Australia

Bowel Cancer Awareness Month is an annual initiative of Bowel Cancer Australia running throughout the month of June, to raise public awareness of a disease that claims the lives of 103 Australians every week. (1)

Bowel cancer is Australia’s second biggest cancer killer. (1)

Bowel Cancer Awareness Month has a positive message – saving lives through early detection – as bowel cancer is one of the most treatable types of cancer if found early.

The Facts 2

To get involved:

  • Raise awareness in the community
  • Organise a fundraiser
  • Volunteer with the foundation
  • Make a donation
  • Order an awareness pack

For more information, visit: https://www.bowelcanceraustralia.org/bowel-cancer-awareness-month

Haemochromatosis Awareness Week: 1-7 June 2021

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Haemochromatosis Awareness Week runs 1-7 June each year. This week allows a time to focus attention on haemochromatosis and for people to raise awareness of the condition in the community. Haemochromatosis is diagnosed far too late for many people. Many people struggle for years with unexplained symptoms while the condition is overlooked.

Haemochromatosis is the most common genetic disorder in Australia.” (1)

People with haemochromatosis absorb too much iron from their diet.  Over time this leads to iron overload. If undetected and untreated, the excess iron can cause organ or tissue damage and can potentially result in premature death.

Join the action this June by:

  • Raising awareness on social media
  • Making a donation
  • Putting up posters about the cause

For more information, visit:
https://haemochromatosis.org.au/whw/

Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea 27 MAY 2021

About Australia's Biggest Morning Tea | 27 May 2021

Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea falls on Thursday 27th May this year. It 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.

“One in two Australian men and women will be diagnosed with cancer by the age of 85.1

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/