Dry July is a campaign designed to raise awareness for cancer through encouraging individuals to go without alcohol for the month of July to raise funds for cancer patients and their families.

“In July, an average of 11,526 Australians will be diagnosed with cancer.” (1)

Funds raised through Dry July go towards cancer support organisations across Australia, to help improve patient comfort, care and well being. Having a Dry July also has great personal health benefits!

To get involved this July:

• Sign up for the challenge to go alcohol free in July
• Ask family and friends to sponsor you
• Make a donation to someone completing Dry July
• Raise awareness on social media

For more information, visit: 
https://www.dryjuly.com/

Scleroderma, also known as Systemic Sclerosis, is a rare autoimmune disease that turns simple daily activities into real challenges. June 29 is World Scleroderma Day, an initiative to raise awareness about the severeness of this disease.

Scleroderma is a chronic disease of the connective tissue, immune and vascular systems, and presents a major diagnostic and management problem for patients and their physicians. It is life-threatening and currently has no cure.

“Anyone can develop scleroderma, but it is more common between the ages of 30 and 60, and three times more likely in females. There are estimated to be over 5,000 Australians living with scleroderma.” (1)

Get involved this June by:

• Raising awareness on social media
• Making a donation to the foundation
• Volunteering

For more information, visit: 
https://www.sclerodermaaustralia.com.au/
http://worldsclerodermaday.org/

The United Nations’ (UN) International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking falls on June 26th each year to raise awareness of the major problem that illicit drugs represent to society. This day is supported by individuals, communities and various organisations all over the world to strengthen action and cooperation to achieve the goal of an international society free of drug abuse.

“Around 269 million people used drugs worldwide in 2018, which is 30 per cent more than in 2009, while over 35 million people suffer from drug use disorders, according to the latest World Drug Report.”

To get involved this June:

• Raise awareness on social media
• Talk to family and friends about this day
• Learn more about this day
  

For more information, visit: https://www.un.org/en/observances/end-drug-abuse-day

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

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TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT WITH GP.

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, 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 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

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 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