International Asperger’s Day

        18 February 2017

International Asperger’s Day is aiming to highlight the significance of Asperger’s Syndrome. It is one of the many challenges in understanding the autism spectrum.

“Recent survey results from the National Institute of Child Health and Mental Development estimate that 1 in 500 people (0.2% of the general population) 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.

Childhood heart disease

Do you know?

• Childhood heart disease is the single biggest killer of children under the age of one in Australia.
• Eight babies are born with a heart defect in Australia every day. That is almost 3,000 every year.

This February is the time to support Australia’s little battlers in the fight against heart disease.

Get involved in the fight against heart disease by making a donation, volunteering with HeartKids Australia in events such as Sweetheart Day, participating in a fundraiser or simply raising awareness on social media.

National Wear Red Day is taking place on the day of hearts –

14 February, 2017 as part of Heart Research Month

Heart Research Australia National Wear Red Day is a chance for Australians to get together and raise money for a heartfelt cause. On average, one Australian dies as a result of heart disease every 26 minutes.

Wear something RED on 14 February 2017 for a small gold coin donation to help protect Australia’s hearts. You can choose to wear red socks, decorate your work space, classroom or home red, don a red ribbon, draw hearts on your cheeks; it’s entirely up to you how you wish to showcase Valentine’s Day as the true day of saving and loving your heart!

Kickstart a healthy new year!

“Did you know that according to new research, less than 1 in 4 Australians will be of healthy weight by 2031-32”

Being a healthy weight helps you to feel your best, and it’s never too late to start!

February is the perfect time to kick-start healthy eating habits, starting with polishing your cooking skills. This is your chance to make simple changes towards smart eating, starting with cooking at home and choosing the right portions.

Get involved this February by volunteering to run your own event or participating in the launch event at Pitt St. Mall, participating in the Instagram competition or even raising awareness on social media.

International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation

Female genital mutilation (FGM) reflects deep-rooted inequality between the sexes, constituting an extreme form of discrimination against women and girls through procedures that involve altering or injuring the female genitalia for non-medical reasons.

“Globally, it is estimated that at least 200 million girls and women alive today have undergone some form of female genital mutilation”

Get involved in enforcing basic human rights across the world through public awareness, charity fundraisers or simply hash tagging #End FGM.

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 that

we can, I can….

Play sport this Saturday

Grab your gear (bat, ball, whatever)

Take a photo and share it with your message of support.

Stay healthy this summer!

• Keep hydrated. Drink more water.
• Limit non-essential strenuous activity during the hottest parts of the day.
• Avoid alcohol and caffeine as they can make dehydration worse.
• Soak. Take a cool shower or bath to help you cool down.
• Be cool. Stay indoors and make use of fans or air-conditioners.
• Rest. Make sure you get enough sleep, and rest if you feel tired.
• Eat fresh. Try eating cold foods such as salads or fruit.
• Check on others including children, elderly, people with medical conditions and don’t forget your pets!
• Seek shade when outside.
• Dress down. Wear light weight clothing and be sun-smart.

Be on the lookout for any symptoms of heat related illness. See your GP if you are unwell.

To make an appointment call 8038 1070 or book online via our website.

Waitara Family Medical Practice wishes patients, friends and families a happy Australia Day and Indian Republic Day today!

We are closed today, and will re-open tomorrow Friday 27th January at 9am.

For non-urgent medical conditions call the Sydney Med Home GP service who do bulk billed home visits on weekends and public holidays, call 8724 6300. For medical emergencies call 000 or go to the Emergency Department, the closest hospital is Hornsby Hospital on Palmerston Road.