World Pneumonia Day 2018

Pneumonia is caused by an infection of the lung. Most infections are either due to bacteria or viruses, although often a cause is never found. This is a dangerous disease which can have severe effects on any individual who contracts it. World Pneumonia Day brings people from all over the world together, uniting to demand that something be done to fight the pneumonia illness. It helps to highlight the severity of pneumonia and encourages more organisations to look at ways of combating the disease.

Pneumonia is one of the most solvable problems in global health and yet a child dies from the infection every 20 seconds.

To get involved:

• Organise you own fundraiser
• Donate to the foundation
• Volunteer
• Raise awareness on social media

For more information: https://stoppneumonia.org/world-pneumonia-day/

World NET Cancer Day 2018

The aim of World NET Cancer Day is to raise awareness of NET cancers among decision makers, health professionals and the general public. Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) is the umbrella term for a group of unusual cancers which develop from cells in the diffuse endocrine system. NETs can affect people of any age, and can be slow-growing or very aggressive.

“NET is considered a rare cancer, but incidence has increased in Australia over the past few decades. Analysis has shown that annual NET incidence per 100,000 has increased from 1.7 in 1980-1989 to 3.3 in 2000-2006 (that is, three people per 100,000).”

Get involved by:

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

For more  information: https://netcancerday.org/news/

Movember 2018

The Movember Foundation is the leading global health organisation committed to changing the face of men’s health, stopping men dying too young. The state of men’s health is in crisis. Men experience worse longer-term health than women and die on average six years earlier.

3,500 male deaths have already occurred this year due to prostate cancer.Three quarters of suicides are men. Poor mental health leads to half a million men taking their own life every year. That’s one every minute.

Be a part of groundbreaking change and support ‘The Movember Foundation’ to address the crisis at a global level.

To get involved:

• Donate to the foundation
• Grow a moustache to show your support
• Organise a fundraiser
• Raise awareness on social media

For more information: https://au.movember.com/

Blue Knot Day 2018

Blue Knot Day is Blue Knot Foundation’s national awareness day celebrated in October every year. On this day, all Australians are asked to unite in support of the 5 million Australian adult survivors of childhood trauma and abuse. Blue Knot Day will be held on Monday 29 October.

The 2018 Blue Knot Day theme ‘REAL LIVES. REAL CHANGE’ recognises the urgent need for support services for adult survivors of childhood trauma.

‘1 in 4 Australians are living with Childhood Trauma at this current moment’

This Blue Knot Day you can show your support for change in 3 ways:

1. Share the ‘REAL LIVES. REAL CHANGE.’ #unitebkd social media campaign
2. Purchase a Blue Knot bracelet or pin
3. Raise funds and awareness in your community

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

National Safe Work Month 2018

National Safe Work Month is held in October each year. It aims to build awareness of work health and safety and encourage discussion about the importance of WHS issues.

Since Safe Work Australia’s inception, there has been a steady decline in the rate of work-related fatalities and workers’ compensation claims.

However, we also know that work-related injury and disease cost the Australian community $61.8 billion in a year.

There’s still work to be done.

Get involved this October by:

• Organising a fundraiser
• Taking care of yourself and colleagues in the workplace
• Raising awareness on social media

For more information, visit: https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/news-and-events/national-safe-work-month

World Polio Day 2018

ONE DAY: ONE FOCUS: ENDING POLIO 

Poliomyelitis is a highly infectious disease that most commonly affects children under the age of 5. Most know it as polio virus. The virus is spread from person to person, typically through contaminated water. It can attack the nervous system, and in some instances, lead to paralysis. Although there is no cure, there is a safe and effective vaccine.

“The number of worldwide polio cases has fallen from an estimated 350,000 in 1988 to 407 in 2013—a decline of more than 99% in reported cases.”

Continue this fall in Polio by:

• Volunteering
• Raising awareness on social media
• Organising a fundraiser
• Donating

For more information, visit: https://www.endpolio.org/world-polio-day

World Osteoporosis Day 2018

This is an initiative designed to raise awareness of the importance of maintaining good bone health.

This year the theme is focused on the important issue of spinal fractures.

It’s true, any type of broken bone from poor bone health is serious. But spinal fractures are the most undiagnosed type of fracture.

“There are approximately 12,000 spinal cord injuries each year,which are associated with a significant mortality rate.”

Height loss, curved back and sudden unexplained back pain are all warning signs. If osteoporosis is diagnosed there are positive steps to help manage your bone health.

To get involved this October:

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

For more information, visit: https://www.osteoporosis.org.au/world-osteoporosis-day-2018

National Carers Week 2018

National Carer’s Week is an opportunity to raise awareness of the efforts and commitments made by carer’s around the country. There are over 2.8 million family and friend carers in Australia providing 36 million hours of care and support every week to a family member or friend who has a disability, mental illness, drug and/or alcohol dependency, chronic condition, terminal illness or who is frail.

“Should all carers decide to stop performing their caring role, it would cost the country $60.3 billion per year to replace those supports – that’s over $1 billion per week.”

Make a difference this October by:

• Informing carers of your appreciation
• Organising a fundraiser
• Raising awareness on social media
• Volunteering to be a carer

For more information , visit: http://www.carersweek.com.au/

World Mental Health Day 2018

World Mental Health Day is observed on 10 October every year, with the overall objective of raising awareness of mental health issues around the world and mobilizing efforts in support of mental health.

“Half of all mental illness begins by the age of 14, but most cases go undetected and untreated”

“Suicide is the second leading cause of death among 15-29-year-olds.”

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.

Get involved this October by:

• Informing the community
• Taking care of your mental health
• Raising awareness on social media
• Volunteering

For more information: http://www.who.int/mental_health/world-mental-health-day/2018/en/

World Cerebral Palsy Day 2018

World Cerebral Palsy Day is a movement of people with cerebral palsy and their families, and the organisations that support them, in more than 65 countries. The vision is to ensure that children and adults with cerebral palsy (CP) have the same rights, access and opportunities as anyone else in our society. It is only together, that we can make that happen.

“There are 17 million people across the world living with cerebral palsy (CP).”

Get involved this October by:

• Volunteering with the foundation
• Donating
• Organising a fundraiser
• Raising awareness on social media
• Sharing your stor

For more information, visit: https://worldcpday.org/