Globally, an estimated 422 million adults were living with diabetes in 2014, compared to 108 million in 1980. The global prevalence of diabetes has nearly doubled since 1980, rising from 4.7% to 8.5% in the adult population. This reflects an increase in associated risk factors such as being overweight or obese. Over the past decade, diabetes prevalence has risen faster in low and middle-income countries than in high-income countries.

Diabetes is a major cause of blindness, kidney failure, heart attack, stroke and lower limb amputation. Healthy diet, physical activity and avoiding tobacco use can prevent or delay type 2 diabetes. In addition diabetes can be treated and its consequences avoided or delayed with medication, regular screening and treatment for complications.

Click on this link for more information https://www.un.org/en/observances/diabetes-day

If lung cancer is found at an earlier stage, there is more chance of a better outcome.

It’s important to know the symptoms of lung cancer as although lung cancer occurs mostly in people aged 60 and over, it can affect people of any age.

New and constantly evolving treatments such as immunotherapy are likely to continue to improve outcomes for people affected by lung  cancer.

Please click here for more inforhttps://www.canceraustralia.gov.au/key-initiatives/campaigns-and-events/lung-cancer-awareness-monthmation

Occupational Therapy Day was first launched on 27th October 2010. Since then, it has become an important date in the occupational therapy calendar to promote and celebrate the profession internationally.

The World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT) is the international voice of the occupational therapy profession which globally comprises of 107 national occupational therapy professional organisations. World Occupational Therapy Day is the opportunity to heighten the visibility of the profession’s development work and to promote the activities of WFOT locally, nationally, and internationally.

For more information https://wfot.org/our-work/advocacy/world-occupational-therapy-day

The overall objective of World Mental Health Day is to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and to mobilize efforts in support of mental health.

The Day provides an opportunity for all stakeholders working on mental health issues to talk about their work, and what more needs to be done to make mental health care a reality for people worldwide.

Please click on the link https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-mental-health-day

The International Day of Non-Violence is observed on 2 October, the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, leader of the Indian independence movement and pioneer of the philosophy and strategy of non-violence.

For more information please click on the following link https://www.un.org/en/observances/non-violence-day

WORLD HEART DAY IS A GLOBAL, MULTI-LINGUAL CELEBRATION

Spanning six continents, our hundreds of World Heart Federation (WHF) member organizations, the countless schools, universities, sports clubs and the vibrant cardiology community make World Heart Day (WHD) a truly global celebration.

Every year these groups and individuals bring their local flair, favor and colors to festivities, marking the day by sharing heart healthy regional specialties, leading a dance to get the whole community moving, and sharing life-saving lessons far and wide.

For more information click below link https://world-heart-federation.org/world-heart-day/?petition=close

World Alzheimer’s Day, a part of Alzheimer’s Month, is observed every year on the 21st of September, with the objective of creating awareness about the misconception of dementia and Alzheimer’s and to encourage and support the families of Alzheimer-affected patients to tackle and fight it.

Importance

Alzheimer’s is a severe brain disorder of memory loss and confusion, if not diagnosed and managed on time, can adversely impact one’s mental abilities of learning, thinking, reasoning, remembering, problem-solving .

Every year, the entire September month is designated as Alzheimer’s Month to organise various activities to educate people about the warning signs and symptoms, early diagnosis, and appropriate treatment of this severe mental disorder, apart from providing social and financial support to the affected.

Please Click here for more information https://www.alz.org/about/awareness-initiatives/world-alzheimers-day

October, Australia’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month, provides an opportunity for us all to focus on breast cancer and its impact on those affected by the disease in our community.

Breast cancer remains the most common cancer among Australian women (excluding non-melanoma skin cancer).

Finding breast cancer early provides the best chance of surviving the disease. Remember you don’t need to be an expert or use a special technique to check your breasts.

Changes to look for include:

• a new lump or lumpiness, especially if it’s only in one breast
• a change in the size or shape of your breast
• a change to the nipple, such as crusting, ulcer, redness or inversion
• a nipple discharge that occurs without squeezing

For more information Please click https://www.canceraustralia.gov.au/key-initiatives/campaigns-and-events/breast-cancer-awareness-month