Awareness Campaigns Happening in June 2020
The month of June has many causes and campaigns dedicated to it. Below, please find a brief listing of some of them I'd like to bring awareness to for our Burlington residents.PRIDE MONTHPride Month is a way of recognizing the influence LGBTQ2IS+ people have had around the world. June was chosen because it is the month when the Stonewall Riots took place in New York City in 1969. Pride Month is also an opportunity to peacefully protest and raise political awareness of current issues facing the LGBTQ2IS+ community.On June 1, we raised the Pride flag at Burlington City Hall (click the link for a video). Equality, inclusion and love is the most important message we can share. Everyone is welcome and celebrated in the City of Burlington. Our rainbow crosswalk was meant to be installed this past weekend, but unfortunately, due to COVID-19, deliveries of supplies has been delayed. As soon as the sidewalk is painted, we will share its unveiling.For more information about Pride Month in Canada, please click the link.INDIGENOUS PEOPLES HISTORY MONTHDuring these times of uncertainty staying grounded is something we all need. Celebration is a great way to keep connected. June kicks off Indigenous Peoples History Month & Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21st – Summer Solstice! This day and all month long are for all people in Canada to recognize and celebrate the unique heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding contributions made by First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. Although these groups share many similarities, they each have their own distinct language, cultural practices and spiritual beliefs.With the current need for safety measures to be taken, unfortunately many Indigenous gathering activities have been cancelled, but our residents can recognize and celebrate virtually -- Indigenous Peoples History Month June 2020 Resources -- with respect and appreciation for the individuality of each culture and person. A practice we can all appreciate for one another, now more than ever.ALS AWARENESS MONTHAmymotrophic Lateral Scleroris (ALS) is a rapidly progressive fatal neuromuscular disease. It can strike anyone. 80% of people die of ALS within two to five years of diagnosis. Some cases are hereditary. There are approximately 2,500-3,000 people with ALS in Canada.ALS in an individual can affect the whole family who often require support with their care giving (emotional, physical and financial).Visit ALS Canada's website at als.ca for more information.BRAIN INJURY AWARENESS MONTHAccording to Brain Injury Canada, brain injuries are the leading cause of death and disability for Canadians under age 40; and approximately 1.5 million Canadians lives with the effect of an acquired brain injury (ABI).The mission of Brain Injury Canada is to enhance the quality of life of individuals and families/caregivers living with brain injury in Canada. The Board, Staff and volunteers of Brain Injury Canada are dedicated to facilitating post-trauma research, education, awareness and advocacy in partnership with national, provincial/territorial and regional associations and other stakeholders.For more details, visit braininjurycanada.ca.NATIONAL SPINA BIFIDA AND HYDROCEPHALUS AWARENESS MONTHSpina bifida is the No. 1 physically-disabling birth defect in newborns, according to Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Association of Canada. Eighty-five per cent of babies born with spina bifida will also have or develop hydrocephalus that requires a shunt or in some cases surgery to remove the excess fluid from around the brain.There is another hydrocephalus called Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH) that affects about 1 in 200 adults over the age of 55 that is often misdiagnosed as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s. However, if it's caught early NPH can be treated and symptoms will disappear.To learn more, head to sbhac.ca.PTSD AWARENESS MONTHAccording to the PTSD Association of Canada, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder can develop after a person has experienced or witnessed a traumatic or terrifying event. PTSD is a lasting consequence of traumatic ordeals that cause intense fear, helplessness or horror, such as a sexual or physical assault, the unexpected death of a loved one, an accident, war, or natural disaster and more. Families of victims can also develop PTSD, as can military personnel, emergency personnel and rescue workers, first responders, and journalists, to name a few.To learn more about PTSD and treatments, please visit ptsdassociation.com.STROKE AWARENESS MONTHApproximately 50,000 strokes occur each year in Canada, according to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada. However, half of all strokes are preventable, the Foundation says.Factors that can increase your risk of a stroke include: obesity, high-blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking and excessive alcohol intake.A stroke can happen at any age, and recognizing the signs of stroke to help someone is easy -- just think F.A.S.T.
- Face: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
- Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
- Speech: Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. Are the words slurred?
- Time: If you observe any of these signs, it’s time to call 911.
Please visit hearthandstroke.ca for more information.