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.

Febfast 2021

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.

3 in 10 Young Australians report that alcohol and/or drugs are a problem for their family & peers.

1 in 4 Young people nationally are at risk of developing serious mental illness in their lifetimes.

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/

International Asperger’s Day 2021

International Asperger’s Day falls on the 18th of February, aiming to highlight the significance of Asperger’s Syndrome for both society and individuals, illustrating one of the many challenges in understanding the autism spectrum. Asperger’s syndrome is a
developmental disorder affecting an individual’s ability to effectively socialise and communicate.

“Recent survey results from the National Institute of Child Health and Mental Development estimate that 1 in 500 people have some form of Asperger’s Syndrome.”

As a community, we can raise awareness about Asperger’s syndrome through holding charity fundraisers, donating a small sum to Asperger Services Australia or increasing awareness on social media.

For more information, visit:
https://www.asperger.asn.au/

Red Feb 2021

Red Feb 2021 is a day designed to raise awareness and money for heart disease, life-saving research and help keep families together for longer.

On Valentine’s Day, the day of hearts, wear RED for someone close to your heart. Whether it’s a family member, wife, husband, or that special friend who means the world to you, or in memory of someone you loved who sadly passed away due to heart disease.

  • Coronary heart disease is the leading cause of death in Australia
  • Heart disease represents one in five of all deaths in Australia
  • Cardiovascular disease accounts for one in four of all deaths in Australia
  • Key risk factors that contribute to heart conditions are largely preventable, including high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Additionally, most people don’t associate these key risk factors with their heart health
  • Two in three Australian adults are overweight or obese, which is among the leading risk factors for heart disease.

Get involved this February by:

  • Wearing red clothing and showing your support
  • Making a donation
  • Volunteering
  • Organising a fundraiser

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

Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month February 2021

Image result for ovarian cancer awareness month

Each year in Australia, Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month is held in February to raise awareness of ovarian cancer and to provide support to the women and their families and friends affected by ovarian cancer.

“Each year in Australia around 1,500 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer. In most cases the cancer will be diagnosed at an advanced stage, where it is very difficult to treat.”

With no early detection test, it is so important that women know the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer and their family history.

Some signs and symptoms include:

  • Abdominal or pelvic pain.
  • Increased abdominal size or persistent abdominal bloating.
  • Needing to urinate often or urgently.
  • Feeling full after eating a small amount.

This February you can participate through volunteering, hosting your own afternoon tea, purchasing teal ribbons and pens

For more information, visit:
https://ovariancancer.net.au/ovarian-cancer-awareness-month/

World Cancer day 2021

I am and I will

World Cancer Day is a global event which aims to unite the world’s population in the fight against Cancer and save millions of preventable deaths each year by raising awareness and education about the disease.

“Currently, 8.2 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. Show the world your support for the campaign: I am and I will.

‘I Am and I Will’ is an empowering call-to-action urging for personal commitment and represents the power of individual action taken now to impact the future.

2021 – the ultimate year of the ‘I Am and I Will’ campaign – shows us that our actions have an impact on everyone around us, within our neighbourhoods, communities and cities. And that more than ever, our actions are also being felt across borders and oceans. This year is a reminder of the enduring power of cooperation and collective action. When we choose to come together, we can achieve what we all wish for: a healthier, brighter world without cancer. Together, all of our actions matter. This World Cancer Day, who are you and what will you do?

Get involved this February by:

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

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

International Human Solidarity Day 2020

International Human Solidarity falls on December 20 each year and is an opportunity to:

  • celebrate our unity in diversity;
  • remind governments to respect their commitments to international agreements;
  • raise public awareness of the importance of solidarity;
  • encourage debate on the ways to promote solidarity for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals including poverty eradication;
  • encourage new initiatives for poverty eradication.

For more information, visit: https://www.un.org/en/observances/human-solidarity-day