Health & Wellbeing

To encourage more people of all ages to walk, either on their own or in a group, the month of October is dedicated to walking and thus named Walktober. Developed by Kinect Australia in collaboration with VicHealth, Walktober raises the profile of walking and highlights community health and social benefits. Walktober provides a terrific opportunity to renew your interest in existing walking groups, as well as to trial a new group. There are many good reasons to walk and it is free.

Walk to Work Day, Friday 1 October, promotes regular walking and physical activity. It is an annual, national event in which the community can become involved in a healthy and environmentally friendly activity. The aim is to reduce the reliance on the motor vehicle and to improve air quality by reducing unnecessary vehicle emissions.

October 1 will see a footwear revolution as Youngcare hosts their very first Thong Day. Thongs represent youth, freedom and fun, all things that young Australians have the right to experience. There are 6,500 young Australians with full-time care needs currently living in aged care simply because there are few alternatives. A further 600,000 are being cared for at home by friends and family. Celebrate Thong Day with your office or friends and help provide care and accommodation options for young Australians. If you would like to know more about Youngcare, please email info@youngcare.com.au or phone 1300 YOUNGCARE 1300 968 642.

World Osteoporosis Day, 20 October 2010, provides a focal point for informing and educating the public and policy makers about the prevention of a disease which still suffers from poor general awareness. Osteoporosis is a disease of bones that leads to an increased risk of fracture and is most common in women after menopause, but may also develop in men. Osteoporosis itself has no specific symptoms.

Sardines for healthy bones

Canned sardines available in supermarkets are a great natural source of omega 3 fatty acids.

 The calcium in sardines works to keep the bones healthy. Sardines are loaded with n utrients such as vitamins and minerals that are vital for overall wellbeing.

After its tremendous success last year, the Walk to Water event will be held on Saturday 9 October at 9am. Walkers will meet at the Drysdale station and walk 17kms to Queenscliff. This year all funds raised will provide water pumps for agriculture, lighting for homes and educational facilities for children in Christian communities in Ethiopa where persecution is common.

For more information and sponsorship forms please phone Patsy Quinn on (03) 5351 3220.

Community Safety Month, held in October each year, aims to promote awareness about a broad range of safety matters, including crime prevention, personal safety, safe work practices and staying safe during an emergency. Community Safety Month was initiated in 1996 by the Victorian Safe Communities Network, which coordinates the project with support from Victoria Police. By promoting safety and safe practices within your community, you will be contributing to increasing the confidence of Victorians about safety.

DO NOT KNOCK

Sick of salespeople door knocking your home? The Consumer Action Law Centre has released a Do Not Knock sticker that warns sales representatives that they are in breach of the law if they knock on a door to which the sticker is affixed. The sticker can be downloaded from: consumeraction.org.au/downloads/DO ORKNOCKB.pdf

Should you want a sticker sent to you, mail the Law Centre a stamped, self addressed envelope, marked Read more >>

A car free day encourages motorists to give up their car for a day and September 22 is World Carfree Day. As the climate heats up, World Carfree Day is the perfect time to take the heat off the planet, and cycle, walk or use public transport, instead of the motor car.