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.

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 26 each year to raise awareness of the major problem that illicit drugs represent to society. This day is supported by individuals, communities and various organizations all over the world.

According to the UNODC, over 250 million people are using illicit drugs such as cocaine, cannabis, hallucinogens, opiates and sedative hypnotics worldwide.

To get involved:

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

For more information, visit: http://www.un.org/en/events/drugabuseday/

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.

• 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

Men’s Health Week, June 15-21, 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.”

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

A highlight of Bowel Cancer Awareness Month is Red Apple Day (Wednesday, 17 June 2020), 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.

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

This is a day designed to thank voluntary, unpaid blood donors for their life-saving gifts of blood and 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

Bowel Cancer Awareness Month is an annual initiative of Bowel Cancer Australia running throughout the month of June (1-30 June), to raise public awareness of a disease that claims the lives of 103 Australians every week.

Bowel cancer is Australia’s second biggest cancer killer.

Bowel Cancer Awareness Month has a positive message – saving lives through early detection – as bowel cancer is one of the most treatable types of cancer if found early.

To get involved:

• Raise awareness in the community
• Organise a fundraiser
• Volunteer with the foundation
• Make a donation
• Order an awareness pack

For more information, visit: https://www.bowelcanceraustralia.org/bowel-cancer-awareness-month

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.

Running 7 – 12th June, the theme for this year is 2020 Vision: Seeing the World Through Babies’ Eyes, enabling discussion about how the current world is impacting babies and their relationships and well-being.

To get involved:

• Organise a fundraiser
• Volunteer with the foundation
• Make a donation
• Raise awareness on social media

For more information, visit: https://www.aaimhi.org/

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”.

“39% of children and 30% of adults are misdiagnosed with epilepsy – many of whom have an underlying, potentially fatal arrhythmia”

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

This week allows a time to focus attention on haemochromatosis and for people to raise awareness of the condition in the community. Haemochromatosis is still diagnosed far too late for many people. Others struggle for years with unexplained symptoms while the condition is overlooked

Haemochromatosis is the most common genetic disorder in Australia.

People with haemochromatosis absorb too much iron from their diet.  Over time this leads to iron overload. If undetected and untreated, the excess iron can cause organ or tissue damage and can potentially result in premature death.

Join the action this June by:

• Raising awareness on social media
• Making a donation
• Putting up posters about the cause

For more information, visit:
https://haemochromatosis.org.au/whw/