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Australia’s health regulators have reminded health practitioners about their responsibility to support public health programs, including vaccination. Regulators, including the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) have spoken out to support public safety, given mounting concerns about a five hear high in measles cases, and an early spike in flu cases this year. The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and the National Boards for 16 professions have urged more than 740,000 registered health practitioners to take seriously their responsibilities for public health, including by helping patients to be protected from preventable illnesses. National Boards set codes, standards and guidelines, including about protecting and promoting the health of individuals and the community, which they expect registered health practitioners to meet. If practitioners do not comply and meet the professional standards set by their National Board, regulators can, and do, take action. National Boards and AHPRA have taken action to manage risk to the public, in response to a number of concerns raised about practitioners (including medical practitioners, nurses and chiropractors) who have advocated against evidence-based vaccination programs. This has included restricting practitioners’ practice pending further investigation, when there was a serious risk to the public. Regulatory action to manage public health risk has included requiring a practitioner to remove comments or material from websites, restricting practitioners from promulgating non-evidence based anti-vaccination material and cautioning practitioners against publicly advocating a position that is not evidence-based. The full statement can be found on the AHPRA website.
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare recently released a report and associated resources about Cancer in Australia 2019. The report includes extensive data and reporting on risk factors, new cases, screening, treatments, and key population groups, amongst other topics. The report is supported by related resources including a summary booklet, presentation and fact sheet. Additionally, a report on cervical screening is Australia was also recently released. This is the latest monitoring report (to 30 June 2017) for the previous “Pap test-based” National Cervical Screening Program, which ceased on 30 November 2017.
The Department of Health is currently undertaking a review of the Practice Incentives Program Indigenous Health Incentive (PIP IHI). This review aims to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the PIP IHI to support general practices to provide culturally appropriate health care to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with chronic disease. The feedback received from submissions will help the Department to
The PIP IHI was introduced in 2010 to promote best practice, culturally safe care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with chronic disease in mainstream GP practices, while also supporting the Aboriginal Community Controlled Health sector.To provide your feedback, please read the Review of the PIP IHI Consultation Paper, which includes several questions to prompt ideas and discussions, and submit your views via emails or post by 10 June 2019.
In preparation for the introduction of the Practice Incentives Program Quality Improvement (PIP QI) payment on 1 August 2019, WA Primary Health Alliance is collecting some preliminary information from practices that may be interested in participating in the new incentive. We have an enquiry form available that will collect your practice name, as well as the name and telephone number of the staff member completing the form. In addition, if you are already participating in the Practice Incentives Program, we are collecting your PIP ID and the name by which your practice is known to the Department of Human Services (your PIP ID and practice name will appear on communications relating to PIP). The practice name should match the name that appears on your certificate of accreditation. Please contact Practice Assist, or your Primary Health Liaison directly, if you have any queries.
The RACGP recognises that GPs and general practice staff have embraced social media at a rapid rate, and guidance around safe and professional usage within general practice is necessary. While there are benefits, there are also potential risks associated with GPs and general practice staff participating in social media. Professional and safe conduct online is paramount. This guide is aimed at general practices that are new to social media, but is also beneficial to those already using it. During the development of this guide, the RACGP consulted a range of GPs, practice managers, consumer representatives and medico-legal organisations to provide the most up-to-date advice to general practice on the use of social media. This guide provides recommendations regarding the use of the more popular social media platforms, including Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and blogs. The advice in the guide can also apply to other social media platforms. To access the guide and associated template, you can also visit the Practice Assist RACGP Standards and Other Resources page..
The 1 July MBS files are now available for download by visiting , with the significant changes details here.
Australia has among the highest rates of bowel cancer in the world. The National Bowel Cancer Screening Program (NBCSP) aims to reduce deaths from bowel cancer by finding the disease early when it is easiest to treat and cure.
Participation in the NBCSP increases the chance of finding changes in the bowel early and saves lives. The NBCSP involves testing for bowel cancer indicators in people with no obvious symptoms. The immunochemical Faecal Occult Blood Test kit is sent in the mail to be used in the privacy of the home. The test involves taking samples of faeces (bowel motion). Samples are then posted to the lab and tested for blood. If blood is found, the result is positive. Around 8% of people will have a positive result. If the result is positive, it is important to consult a general practitioner (GP), who may advise further tests, usually a colonoscopy, to find the cause of bleeding and to rule out bowel cancer.
General practices can support NBCSP participation by displaying brochures and flyers, talking to patients aged 50-74 about bowel cancer screening and promoting participation in the Program.
June is Bowel Cancer Awareness month: please see our Health Promotions section for more information about how your practice can participate.
It is without a doubt important that your patients can access information about your practice that is comprehensive, current and delivered via methods that are suitable for your patient cohort.
Practices accredited against the 4th edition of the Standards were required to have a practice information sheet that included specific information. When being assessed against the 5th edition, practices must demonstrate how they make practice information available to patients, and how they ensure practice information is updated when required.
Required inclusions are still outlined in the Standards, and your practice must make available its address and telephone number(s), consulting hours, arrangements for care outside normal opening hours, billing principles, list of practitioners, its communication policy (including receiving and returning phone calls and electronic communication, particularly to GPs), its policy for managing health information (or an overview of the principles and how further information can be obtained), process for providing feedback or making a complaint, and information on services available.
The Standards provides recommendations for methods that practices could use to provide information to patients, including the practice information sheet and / or use of a website. The outcomes focus of the 5th edition of the Standards gives practices the opportunity to select what methods would best suit their patients and staff, however it is important to note that the literacy level and access to internet of the practice’s patient cohort should be carefully considered. For example, a university health service with a young and IT-capable cohort may feel that digital methods of delivery for practice information would satisfactorily accommodate their patients. However, for most practices, a hard copy patient information sheet, readily available in the reception / waiting area, would remain relevant.
If you have a significant number of patients from a particular cultural background, who speak a language other than English, or who have low literacy levels, you may wish to have practice information available in translated versions, or in simplified versions that include pictures. Practices who use more than one method to provide practice information should ensure that information is consistent across all methods, meaning that information that is available on the practice information sheet should also be available on the website (if you have one).
Regardless of which method your practice selects to provide information to patients, it is only worthwhile if it is kept current. Ideally, the responsibility for maintaining the practice information should be allocated to a member of the practice team, and information should be updated as required and reviewed on a regular schedule.
It is worth noting that this indicator cross-references with a significant number of other indicators within the Standards, and that referring to the related indicators will help guide practices in ensuring the appropriate information is provided to their patients. These indicators are
GPs are urged to have a high index of clinical suspicion for syphilis as cases of this ancient infection increase across WA. Currently there are three outbreaks of syphilis in WA affecting distinct geographical areas and populations:
The General Practice Conference and Exhibition (GPCE) is coming to Perth on July 27 and 28. This is WA’s leading CPD event for primary care, and is recognised as one of the most important CPD events on the general practice calendar. With high quality CPD content in four categories (Practice, Business, Life, and Curiosity), GPCE is designed to appeal to a wide range of primary healthcare professionals, including GPs, practice nurses and managers, registrars, allied health professionals, and medical students. Registrations are now open, and early bird discounts are available until Friday 21 June. This event is also listed in the Education and training section of this newsletter, and on the Practice Assist Upcoming workshops and webinars page.
Whatever your age and whatever your stage of nursing you are at, The Australian Primary Health Care Nurses Association (APNA) is here to help nurses flourish. APNA’s Transition to Practice Program is a 12-month education, support, and mentoring program for nurses new to primary health care. Nurses transitioning into primary health care will be matched with an experienced nurse mentor. APNA is looking for
Applications close on Friday 28 June. For more information, please view the flyer or visit the APNA website.
In 2019, the Australian College of Nurse Practitioners (ACNP) will be holding its National Conference in Melbourne from 2 to 5 September. The ACNP Conference is a fantastic opportunity to bring together Nurse Practitioners, Advanced Practice Nurses, and other health professionals. The 2019 themes include rural and remote health, primary health care, private practice and specialty practice (including mental health and emergency), with the event providing a great way to learn, network and interact in a fun, friendly and engaging environment. Registrations are now open, with early bird registration available until 30 June. This event is also listed in the Education and training section of this newsletter, and on the Practice Assist Upcoming workshops and webinars page.
The Women and Newborn Health Network at the Department of Health in partnership with the Women’s Community Health Network WA is hosting a WA Women’s Health Conference on Monday, 2 September 2019. They are now calling for professionals, non-government / community organisations, researchers / academics, and interested members of the community who would like to participate in the event to submit an abstract in their area of interest / expertise. Presentations may be based on current or emerging research, best practice, service delivery, or lived experience. Abstracts must be submitted by close of business on Monday 31 May. Click here for more information.
The Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine’s (ACRRM) Ultrasound workshop covers the use of ultrasound in emergency medicine, trauma, and clinical care for Rural Generalists with minimal experience in using ultrasound in practice, and it’s coming to Perth
Guided by highly experienced specialists, sonographers, and clinicians with live patient models, participants are exposed to experimenting and learning with scanning devices and new ultrasound technologies while covering common situations that may arise in the emergency department, in practice, or in basic anaesthetics.
The portable equipment/ultrasound units used in the workshop are provided by SonoSite Fujifilm.
Participants will receive 14 PRPD points, with ACRRM members receiving a discount to attend.
Click here to register for the Perth ultrasound course, or to speak to the ACRRM course team please phone 1800 223 226 or email courses@acrrm.org.au.
The Complex Attention and Hyperactivity Disorders Service is a specialist assessment and consultation service for children aged up to 17, and their families, who have persistent complex attention difficulties and related conditions. From Monday, 10 June 2019, the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAHMS) CAHDS will relocate to PCH Clinic K. The new contact details for the service are: Perth Children’s Hospital 15 Hospital Avenue, Nedlands 6009 Clinic K, Level 2, PCH Phone number: 02 6456 0214 Fax number: 02 6456 2342 Email: complexADHDService@health.wa.gov.au
The ORIGINS Project is the largest study of its kind in Australia, following 10,000 families over the next decade to improve child and adult health. The unique long-term study is one of the most comprehensive studies of pregnant women and their families in Australia to date, recruiting families whose babies are born at the Joondalup Health Campus. So far, the project has recruited nearly 2,000 participant mothers, 1,500 babies and 600 dads. The ORIGINS Project team is seeking to involve GPs and primary care providers as soon as women present for care, as it represents an amazing opportunity for families to have additional care (e.g. free paediatrician appointments) and identification of early markers for chronic conditions, particularly in families with a history of illness. While the Project has strong engagement with GPs in Wanneroo and Joondalup, they would like to strengthen engagement with more GPs in the Perth North PHN area. A video is available to provide more information, or please go to the ORIGINS project site.
The HealthPathways WA team recently published their 500th pathway. As the largest geographical HealthPathways region in Australia, this is a significant milestone for the team, who have now published all pathways related to chronic disease. The HealthPathways WA team has grown and evolved significantly since publishing the first 100 pathways in 2015. There are now seven GPs working as HealthPathways Clinical Editors in WA, localising and reviewing the content in consultation with local specialists. The team also consists of several dedicated coordinators who map local services and ensure all information in the “Request” section is accurate and up-to-date. HealthPathways coordinators engage extensively with stakeholders across the health system and work to identify the issues affecting primary care delivery, including gaps in services. The most recently published pathways are:
To access HealthPathways please contact your WAPHA Primary Health Liaison or email the HealthPathways team at healthpathways@wapha.org.au.
Poor communication is one of the biggest barriers to engaging effectively with Aboriginal people. Finding ways to communicate more effectively will not only improve and increase Aboriginal people’s access to services but will and can ensure their participation in receiving and providing information. With older Aboriginal people good communication is essential to their health and wellbeing, maintaining their connection and links to family, service providers and the community. Yarning is a method of communication that enables service providers to engage with older Aboriginal people and their families in a culturally safe way that is friendly and informal. The yarning framework enables service providers to engage and build relationships with Aboriginal people that are effective and authentic. This guest lecture, presented by Dementia Training Australia, will
The session will be presented by Professor Dawn Bessarab, Director, Centre for Aboriginal Medical and Dental Health, University of WA. For more information and to register, please click here.
This event is also listed in the Education and training section of this newsletter, and on the Practice Assist Upcoming workshops and webinars page.
Since its establishment in July 2016 the Australian Digital Health Agency has engaged Clinical Reference Leads (CRLs) to support implementation of the Australian Digital Health Agency’s 2018-19 work program and Australia’s National Digital Health Strategy. The Agency will be undertaking an Expression of Interest (EOI) process to procure CRL services to support the Agency’s clinical leadership function in 2019-20. This will be done via AusTender, the Australian Government’s procurement information system. Through this process, the Agency is seeking to engage suitably qualified practicing clinicians and/or digital health subject matter experts, representative of the Australian health sector - covering the diversity of background, skills, experiences, perspectives and representation from across Australia – to benefit the work of the Agency. The open tender process was published on AusTender site on 10 May 2019 and will be open until Tuesday 4 June 2019. If you are interested in engaging with the Agency as a Clinical Reference Lead, please visit the tender webpage.
The Australian Digital Health Agency has opened an online consultation for all Australians, including frontline clinicians, consumers, healthcare organisations and the technology sector to have their say on a more modern, digitally connected health system. The online consultation is part of a nationwide series of discussions used to co-design the National Health Interoperability Roadmap, which will agree the standards and priorities required to achieve a more modern digitally connected health system in Australia. The survey is open until 14 June 2019.
A security first culture can protect healthcare organisations - prevention is better than cure. Security in Healthcare 2019 will focus on the impact of security in the healthcare sector and will provide practical guidance on sound security practices for your workplace. A highlight of this event will be an address by Anthony (Tony) Kitzelmann, Chief Information Security Officer for the Australian Digital Health Agency. With extensive experience in the public and private sectors, Tony’s expertise covers strategic leadership and delivery of corporate cyber security functions. Tony will deliver a topical presentation on security and privacy in the healthcare sector and share insights into the security of the My Health Record system. You are encouraged to share this invitation with other healthcare organisations who may be interested in attending. A Perth session is scheduled for Wednesday, 12 June from 9am to 12pm. Capacity is limited, so please click here to access the flyer and secure your place.
Please contact your Primary Health Liaison or a member of the My Health record team at WAPHA via myhealthrecord@wapha.org.au for assistance.
This interactive webinar is for Aged Care professionals working in residential aged care or community aged care sectors. The learning outcomes of this webinar will include:
There will be the opportunity for Q&A throughout the webinar. A copy of the presentation will be made available following the event to individuals who have registered to attend the webinar. Date: Tuesday 28 May 2019 Time: 12.00pm – 1.00pm (AWST) – registrations close 24 hours prior to start time Venue: Online (join via your computer) Cost: Free Register: To register, please click here
This interactive webinar for all healthcare providers will provide you with the necessary tools and knowledge to register your practice and connect to My Health Record. There will be an opportunity for Q&A.
Please note: this is a live repeat of the webinars held in February 2019, and is an alternative to attending the session on 21 May.
All events are listed on our Webinars and Workshops page.
The Australian Association of Practice Management welcomes WA delegates to the Perth Practice Management Symposium. This full day event will look at topics such as performance benchmarking for your practice, effective use of practice management software, corporate governance and risk management, and marketing and social media. In the afternoon, the AAPM Practice Manager of the Year Finalists and State Winner will be announced. Date: Friday 7 June 2019 Time: 9.00am – 5.30pm (registrations from 8.30am) Venue: Frasers Kings Park, 60 Fraser Avenue, Kings Park WA 6005 Cost: $260 per person (AAPM members), $380 per person (non-AAPM members) Register: To register, please click here This event attracts 30 CPD points for AAPM members. These points will be automatically allocated to member profiles on completion and attendance at the event. Certificates of attendance will be emailed to all registered attendees.
DBT is a psychotherapeutic treatment for people who experience difficulty managing their emotions and resulting behaviours such as:
This education session will focus on two essential components of DBT, Mindfulness and Validation, and discuss the benefits of collaboration assessment, management of risk, and the establishment of safety plans that are respectful, empathetic, empowering and skills focused.
By the end of this education session, GPs will be able to:
Date: Saturday 15 June 2019 Time: 9.00am – 4.45pm Venue: WA Primary Health Alliance, 2-5, 7 Tanunda Drive, Rivervale WA 6103 Cost: Free Register: To register, please click here
The Course in Ear and Hearing Health aims to provide eligible students specific skills and knowledge to perform ear health examinations, basic point of care hearing evaluations, management strategies and referral processes for further or specialist care in relation to a range of conditions, based on detailed knowledge of the anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology of the auditory system. Date: Friday 21 June 2019 Time: 8.45am – 4.30pm Venue: Technology Park Function Centre, 2 Brodie-Hall Drive, Bentley WA 6102 Cost: $475 per person Register: To register, please click here
St John of God Raphael Services is inviting midwives, practice nurses, GPs and obstetricians to attend free workshops, led by Professor Marie-Paule Austin, to understand and apply the psychosocial risk assessment using and scoring the Antenatal Risk Questionnaire (ANRQ). This training will enable health professionals to identify circumstances that affect a woman’s mental health and reduce the potential negative impact on infants and families. There are two training workshops, one tailored for midwives and practice nurses, the other for GPs and obstetricians. Date: Thursday June 27 (midwives and practice nurses) and Saturday June 29 (GPs and obstetricians) Time: 2.00pm – 4.45pm (27 June) and 9.00am - 11.30am (29 June) Venue: University Club of WA, Entrance 1, Hackett Drive, Crawley WA 6009 Cost: Free Register: To register, please click here
The 2019 Aboriginal Health Conference Kids on Country will emphasise the importance of children and youth in Aboriginal communities and provide a forum to exchange ideas on the key issues relating to the health of Aboriginal children.
To continue to aim for health equity for Aboriginal children and communities, health professionals need an enhanced understanding of culturally competent care and the links between the environment and the health of Aboriginal children.
The presentations and workshops at this conference will cover aspects of clinical care, research, community programs, emerging health issues and social determinants of health. The conference will also identify strategies to support the role of traditional interactions in Aboriginal communities. Date: Saturday 6 July and Sunday 7 July 2019 Time: 9.00am - 5.30pm (registrations from 8.30am) Venue: Parmelia Hilton Perth, 14 Mill St, Perth WA 6000 Cost: Click here for more information, including costs Register: To register, please click here
Run and accredited by the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine, this one-day Advanced Life Support (ALS) course was developed to meet the needs of general practitioners in the management of common emergencies in rural practice. The course incorporates key aspects of Advanced Life Support skills in accordance with the Australian Resuscitation Council guidelines.
The course is conducted by expert instructors experienced in rural general practice. Date: Saturday 13 July 2019 Time: TBC Venue: Mercure Perth, Irwin St, Perth WA 6000 Cost: $1,395 (ACRRM members), $1,545 (non-members) Register: To register, please click here
Rural Emergency Obstetrics Training (REOT) is a one-day workshop designed to equip non-obstetric practitioners with vital emergency obstetric skills.
REOT is relevant to any type of doctor, in any location. This course covers normal birthing procedures as well as common birthing emergencies. It will boost your skills and confidence when dealing with third trimester emergencies. Date: Sunday 14 July 2019 Time: TBC Venue: Mercure Perth, Irwin St, Perth WA 6000 Cost: $1,695 (ACRRM members), $1,895 (non-members) Register: To register, please click here
The General Practice Conference & Exhibition (GPCE) in Perth is WA's leading CPD event for primary care, and is recognised as one of the most important CPD events on the general practice calendar. GPCE welcomes over 300 healthcare professionals to meet, update knowledge, earn CPD points, and see the latest innovations specific to primary care. THE GPCE 2019 program has been designed to suit the changing needs of all primary care professionals, with high quality CPD content in four categories. Practice These sessions will allow you to update and refresh knowledge, get the latest clinical education, earn CPD points and gain confidence, whilst focusing on practical, simple, useful tips and takeaways. Business If your focus for 2019 is improving your business, these sessions will cover the foundations of practice, profitability, team, risk, reputation, systems, operations and more! Life Turning the stethoscope round to you! If 2018 has taken the stuffing out of you, these sessions will focus on personal health and well-being, work-life balance, time management, communication skills and more. Curiosity Feed your curiosity and learn more about what's new now and what's coming. Covering technology, research, and what others are doing, these sessions and guaranteed to inspire. Date: Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 July 2019 Time: 8.15am - 4.45pm (education sessions) Venue: Crown Perth Convention Centre, Great Eastern Highway, Burswood WA 6100 Cost: Please click here for delegate admission costs Register: To register, please click here
Do you want to make a bigger difference in people's lives by enabling them to manage their own health, wellbeing and lifestyle choices? The Better Questions workshop offers highly effective communication strategies and practical tips that will enable you to enhance your communication skills and professional practice. Date: Thursday 8 August 2019 Time: 9.00am - 3.30pm (education sessions) Venue: The Boulevard Centre, 99 The Boulevard, Floreat WA 6014 Cost: $330 per person Register: Please click here to download the flyer and registration form
The Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine presents this ultrasound workshop offering an introduction and instruction on the use of Ultrasound in Emergency Medicine, trauma, and critical care for the rural generalist or general practitioner with minimal experience in using ultrasound in practice.
A major feature of this workshop is the 'hands-on' practice using live patient models, guided by highly experienced clinical application specialists, sonographers, and clinicians. This course has been designed to cover more common situations that may arise in the Emergency Department, in practice, or basic anaesthetics. Content may vary course to course dependent on the particular skills of the clinical facilitator. Date: Saturday 31 August 2019 Time: TBC Venue: Novotel Langley Perth, 221 Adelaide Terrace, Perth WA 6000 Cost: $795 (ACRRM members), $1,015 (non members) Register: To register, please click here
The Australian College of Nurse Practitioners (ACNP) is holding its National Conference in Melbourne from 2 to 5 September, 2019.
The ACNP Conference is a fantastic opportunity to bring together Nurse Practitioners, Advanced Practice Nurses and Health Professionals. As the flagship event for the Australian College of Nurse Practitioners, the theme 'Transforming Health Care' recognises the dimensions of practice and contribution made by Nurse Practitioners and Advanced Practice Nurses across Australia.
Date: Monday 16 September to Thursday 19 September 2019 Time: 7.00am - 5.00pm daily (click here for the program) Venue: Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre, 21 Mounts Bay Rd, Perth WA 6000 Cost: Click here for information on delegate costs Register: To register, please click here
The 2019 AAPM National Conference will once again be filled with a range of dynamic and inspirational speakers, workshops and its social events, as well as a celebration of AAPM’s 40th Anniversary! Join AAPM for another exciting conference and celebrate as they acknowledge 40 years of the Australian Association of Practice Management.
Date: Tuesday 1 October to Friday 4 October 2019 Time: Please click here for the conference program Venue: Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, Merivale St and Glenelg St, South Brisbane Cost: Please see registrations page for delegate costs - early bird registrations available Register: To register, please click here
Rural Medicine Australia (RMA) is the peak national event for rural and remote doctors of Australia. Hosted by the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) and the Rural Doctors Association of Australia (RDAA), RMA attracts a diverse and collaborative community of junior doctors, students, educators, academics, and medical practitioners who are passionate about generalist medicine in rural and remote communities. Date: Wednesday 23 October to Saturday 26 October 2019 Time: Please click here for the conference program Venue: The Star Gold Coast, 1 Casino Drive, Broadbeach QLD 4218 Cost: Please click here for delegate costs (early bird registrations available until 31 May) Register: To register, please click here
GP19: Your patients Your community Your solutions will see a transition into a full clinical update conference. With an exciting new format delivering dynamic education with a focus on topics that affect GPs in their clinical settings. You will also experience an extensive array of hands-on, interactive and highly engaging sessions with take away skills to implement in your everyday practice. Date: Thursday 24 October to Saturday 26 October 2019 Time: Please click here for the conference program Venue: Adelaide Convention Centre, North Terrace, Adelaide SA 5000 Cost: Click here for information on delegate costs - early bird registrations available until 1 August Register: Registrations open shortly
The Department of Health produces a Health Calendar of Events, which can be accessed here.
Every year, on 31 May, the World Health Organization (WHO) and global partners celebrate World No Tobacco Day (WNTD). The annual campaign is an opportunity to raise awareness on the harmful and deadly effects of tobacco use and second-hand smoke exposure, and to discourage the use of tobacco in any form.
The focus of World No Tobacco Day 2019 is on "tobacco and lung health." The campaign will increase awareness on:
The campaign also serves as a call to action, advocating for effective policies to reduce tobacco consumption and engaging stakeholders across multiple sectors in the fight for tobacco control.
June is Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, a Bowel Cancer Australia initiative to raise awareness of Australia's second deadliest cancer and raise funds for the leading community-funded charity dedicated to prevention, early diagnosis, research, quality treatment and the best care for everyone affected by bowel cancer. 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. While the risk of bowel cancer increases significantly with age, the disease doesn't discriminate, affecting men and women, young and old. 1 in 13 Australians will be diagnosed with bowel cancer in their lifetime. 15,604 Australians will be diagnosed with the disease this year. Support Bowel Cancer Awareness Month by registering an event, and for more information, please visit the campaign website.
A highlight of Bowel Cancer Awareness Month is Red Apple Day (Wednesday, 19 June 2019), when Australians are encouraged to support the vital work of Bowel Cancer Australia through the purchase of a Bowel Cancer Awareness Ribbon and apple themed fundraising activities. Bowel Cancer Australia's apple logo is symbolic of the charity's bowel cancer message: bowel cancer is treatable and beatable if detected early. The outline of Bowel Cancer Australia's apple logo appears as an abstract of a human bowel. The small hole in the apple is caused by a worm. If detected early and removed, the worm is unable to continue affecting the apple or the health of the tree. It's the same with people. If bowel cancer is detected early it can be successfully treated, which means patients and their families can continue to enjoy a healthy life. Both red and green apples are also a nutritious source of dietary fibre. Red Apple Pins and Bowel Cancer Awareness Ribbons (as well as other merchandise) can be purchased from the Bowel Cancer Australia online store. For details on hosting a Red Apple Day fundraising event visit the Planning Your Fundraiser webpage.