Many people are unaware of childhood heart disease (CHD) – and its prevalence in Australia. This February is the time to support Australia’s little battlers in the fight against heart disease. The month of February brings Valentine’s Day, so why not celebrate by helping a heart in need?

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.

Get involved in the fight against heart disease this February 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.

For more information, visit: 
https://www.heartkids.org.au/whats-on/show-your-heart-feb-2020

International Asperger’s Day falls on the 18^th of February, aiming to highlight the significance of Asperger’s Syndrome for both society and individuals, illustrating one of the many challenges in understanding the autism spectrum. Asperger’s syndrome is a
developmental disorder affecting an individual’s ability to effectively socialise and communicate.

“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.

For more information, visit:
https://www.asperger.asn.au/

Wear Red Day 2020 is a day designed to raise awareness and money for heart disease, life-saving research and help keep families together for longer.

On Valentine’s Day, the day of hearts, wear RED for someone close to your heart. Whether it’s a family member, wife, husband, or that special friend who means the world to you, or in memory of someone you loved who sadly passed away due to heart disease.

” Heart disease is a major cause of death in Australia. There were 43,477 deaths attributed to heart disease in Australia in 2017. This means that on average, 119 Australians die from heart disease each day, or one every 12 minutes.”

Get involved this February by:

• Wearing red clothing and showing your support
• Making a donation
• Volunteering
• Organising a fundraiser

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

Each year in Australia, Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month is held in February to raise awareness of ovarian cancer and to provide support to the women and their families and friends affected by ovarian cancer.

“Only 43% of the almost 1,500 women diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year will survive.”

With no early detection test, it is so important that women know the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer and their family history.

Some signs and symptoms include:

• Abdominal or pelvic pain.
• Increased abdominal size or persistent abdominal bloating.
• Needing to urinate often or urgently.
• Feeling full after eating a small amount.

This February you can participate through events such as:the afternoon teal campaign, teal ribbon day, hosting your own afternoon tea or purchasing teal ribbons and pens.

For more information, visit:
https://ovariancancer.net.au/ovarian-cancer-awareness-month/

I am and I will

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 your support for the campaign: I am and I will.
‘I Am and I Will’ is an empowering call-to-action urging for personal commitment and represents the power of individual action taken now to impact the future.

Get involved this February by:

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

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

Bowel Cancer Australia’s annual public awareness campaign – Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late – starts today!

Bowel cancer is Australia’s second biggest cancer killer.  It affects men and women, young and old and often develops without any warnings signs.

But 90% of cases can be treated successfully if detected early.

So… Don’t wait until its too late.

Talk to your GP or pharmacist today and support Bowel Cancer Australia to help save lives. Donate today.

For more information, visit:
https://www.bowelcanceraustralia.org/latest-news/dont-wait-until-its-too-late-bowel-cancer-australia

Leprosy is one of the oldest diseases known to humankind. It is also known as Hansen’s disease. The aim of this day is to raise awareness of a disease that many people believe to be extinct, when in fact around 210,000 new cases are diagnosed each year, and millions more people are living undiagnosed. The aim of World Leprosy Day is to change this attitude and increase public awareness of the fact that leprosy can now be easily prevented and cured.

To get involved :

• Donate
• Volunteer
• Organise a campaign
• Raise awareness on social media

For more information: https://www.lepra.org.uk/world-leprosy-day

Waitara Family Medical Practice

wishes you and your family

a happy Australia Day 2020,

celebrating with family and friends!!

NSW Health works in partnership with schools to offer the vaccines recommended for adolescents in a school-based vaccination program. These are essential vaccines that allow optimum individual health as well as public health.

These vaccines are given at school through parental permission; however, if your child is absent on the day, parents are advised that free catch-up vaccination is available at their local GP during the school year only.

For more information, visit: http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/immunisation/Pages/schoolvaccination.aspx

To check your immunisation records or request a vaccine, book an appointment with Waitara Family Medical reception at 02 8038 1070.

Did you know?
More than 90% of Australians don’t eat enough fruit or vegetables.

Healthy diet is important for your general well being and allows prevention of health issues such as diabetes or hypertension. It is necessary to ensure uptake of all necessary nutritional elements in the healthy food pyramid.

Visit the GP to discuss a healthy diet and lifestyle plan.

For more information or an appointment, contact Waitara Family Medical reception at 02 8038 1070.