Liptember is a campaign  dedicated to raising funds and awareness for women’s mental health whilst informing the community of specific women’s mental health research and support programs.

Issues such as Postnatal or Menopausal related depression are examples of mental health issues that are generally gender specific to women.

One of the priorities of Liptember is to recognise that Australian women take on a myriad of responsibilities and provide improvements to the mental health support available for these women. By improving the mental health of Australian women, the entire community can experience improved overall health and wellbeing.

Get involved this September by:

• Purchasing a Liptember lipstick from a participating store
• Volunteering with the foundation
• Organising your own fundraiser
• Raising awareness on social media

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

Dementia Awareness Month is Dementia Australia’s national awareness-raising campaign held every year throughout September. It aims to encourage all Australians to become more aware of dementia, gain a better understanding of what it is like to live with dementia and how we can support people living with dementia.

“Dementia is the second leading cause of death of Australians.”

There are many small actions people can take to create a big difference for people impacted by dementia, their families and carers. We can all work towards being aware of dementia and actively reducing the stigma and discrimination surrounding it.

Get involved this September by:

• Organising your own fundraiser
• Raising awareness on social media
• Donating to the foundation

For more information, visit:
https://www.dementia.org.au/nsw/dementia-awareness-month

September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month and the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia is asking Australians to get involved and help create awareness and raise the much needed funds to help in the fight against prostate cancer.

“This year 20,000 Australian men will be newly diagnosed with prostate cancer, 3500 will die of the disease, and over 200,000 Australian men are living with it every day. “

Promoting Prostate Cancer Awareness Month allows vital funds to be raised for lifesaving research, awareness, and support programs. Get involved by learning about support groups and programs available as well as events you can be a part of through Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia.

Be a part of Prostate Cancer Awareness Month this September by:

• Volunteering with the foundation
• Donating
• Raising awareness on social media
• Informing the community
• Speaking with your GP about your prostate health

For more information, visit:
https://www.prostate.org.au/get-checked/

Dystonia awareness month is designed to inform the community of the spreading condition and urge the community to join in helping those which are affected. Dystonia is a Neurological Movement Condition which affects adults and children. It can affect any part of the body and causes muscles to contract or spasm. This may cause pain, tremors, twisting and other uncontrollable movements.

Currently there is no cure. 

“Research from the United States indicates that dystonia is as common as multiple sclerosis in certain areas of the world including parts of the Australia.”

To get involved this September:

• Inform the community
• Raise awareness on social media
• Organise a fundraiser
• Donate to the foundation

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

R U OK? Day falls on Thursday 10 September this year. It’s a national day of action when Australians are reminded that every day is the day to ask, “Are you OK?”. This years message is “there’s more to say after R U OK?”. 2020 has been a challenging year for everyone and circumstances have made it even more important for everyone to stay connected and, for those who are able, be willing to support those around them.

“20% of Australians experience a common mental health disorder during a 12-month period.”

Visit the R U OK? Day website for tips on how to ask someone if they are okay, listen with an open mind, encourage action and check in with them.

Get involved this September by:

• Starting a conversation with friends and family
• Hosting an event
• Fundraising at work or in the community
• Volunteering with the organisation

For more information, visit:
https://www.ruok.org.au/join-r-u-ok-day

This year, Women’s Health Week runs 7 to 11 September and strives to encourage women to check in on their health and make positive changes that can last a lifetime. With COVID-19 impacting 2020, it’s as important as ever for everyone to look after their overall health and wellbeing.

“Nearly half (44%) of the total burden of disease for females is from cancer, musculoskeletal conditions, and cardiovascular disease.” (AIHW)

Women’s Health Week is a nation-wide campaign of events and online activities dedicated to improving women’s health and centred on helping individuals to make healthier life choices.

Get involved this September by:

• Hosting a fundraiser
• Getting your workplace involved
• Spreading the word to friends and family
• Looking after your own health

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

from everyone at Waitara Family Medical Practice!

PKD Awareness Day falls on September 4th and is dedicated to raising awareness for Polycystic Kidney Disease. Many people have never heard of PKD even though it affects more than 25 thousand Australians. It is a lifelong genetic disease where cysts form and make both kidneys enlarged which can often lead to kidney failure.

“Kidney and urinary diseases accounted for 1.4% of Australia’s total burden of disease in 2015.”

Currently there is no cure for PKD. Early detection can help reduce or prevent some complications through early treatment. PKD is a common cause of kidney failure in Australia, with men and women affected equally.

Get involved this September by:

• Spreading awareness on social media
• Donating to the organisation
• Educating friends and family about PKD

For more information, visit:
https://pkdaustralia.org/pkd-awareness-day/

This year National Stroke Week is runs from 31 August to 6 September and calls upon everyone to be a ‘F.A.S.T Hero’ by learning and sharing the F.A.S.T message and calling 000 straight away if you suspect someone is having a stroke.

The FAST test is an easy way to recognise and remember the signs of stroke. Using the FAST test involves asking these simple questions:
Face – Check their face. Has their mouth drooped?
Arms – Can they lift both arms?
Speech – Is their speech slurred? Do they understand you?
Time – Time is critical. If you see any of these signs, call 000 straight away.

“Around 30% of stroke survivors are of working age (under the age of 65).”

Become a F.A.S.T Hero by familiarising yourself with these signs and potentially save the life of a loved one, a colleague, a stranger or even yourself. By learning and sharing the F.A.S.T. message and calling triple 000 straight away if you suspect a stroke you can help fight strokes.

Fight stroke this September by:

• Volunteering with the organisation
• Donating to the foundation
• Raising awareness on social media
• Organising a fundraiser or virtual activity
• But MOST IMPORTANTLY, taking charge of your own health

For more information, visit:
https://strokefoundation.org.au/How-you-can-help/Stroke-week

The ATF Gold Bow Day highlights the increase in thyroid cancer and gives support to thyroid cancer patients undergoing Radio-Active Iodine Treatment.

The two loops of the ATF Gold Bow symbolise the Thyroid Gland, one gland on either side of the neck. The Gold colour symbolises that your Thyroid Gland is more valuable to you than gold!

The ATF Gold Bow Day highlights the increase in Thyroid Cancer, with the most recent research from 2008 stating, thyroid cancer had increased by 84% in women and 40% in men over the previous 10 years.

Wear your Gold Bow, the symbol of The Australian Thyroid Foundation with pride. Funds raised from the sale of Gold Bows goes towards supporting the work of The Australian Thyroid Foundation.

Get involved this September by:

• Wearing your gold bow
• Donating to the foundation
• Raising awareness on social media

For more information, visit:
https://thyroidfoundation.org.au/Australian-Thyroid-Foundation-Awareness-Events