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The CHIC Awareness Calendar gives a list of Events/Health dates, and is available to view, download or order. Some upcoming awareness dates are featured below.
The 2010 edition of the Awareness Calendar is now available.
Daffodil Day - 27 August
 2010 marks the 20th anniversary of the Daffodil Day partnership between The National Bank and the Cancer Society. As well as providing an opportunity to raise awareness of cancer in New Zealand, Daffodil Day is a major funding source for the Cancer Society.
The daffodil is one of the first flowers of spring, whose bright yellow blooms remind us of the joys the new season will bring. It represents the hope there is for the 1 in 3 New Zealanders affected by cancer.
The donations received go towards vital scientific research into the causes and treatment of all types of cancer, as well as providing a wide range of support services, information, health promotion and education programmes to reduce cancer risk, awareness campaigns and programmes for people affected by cancer.
For more information, visit the Daffodil Day website.
For more information and to order resources, visit the Korero Maori website.
Gamble Free Day - 1 September
For many people gambling is a harmless recreational activity. However, it is estimated that 10,000 and 60,000 New Zealanders could be problem gamblers. Every gambler affects at least five others so at least 50,000 to 300,000 people in New Zealand could be personally suffering because of problem gambling.
Problem gambling refers to gambling that significantly interferes with a person’s basic occupational, interpersonal, and financial functioning. Problem gambling seems to have tentacles which extend out to wreak havoc and can it can profoundly impact on the physical, emotional, and financial health of the family, spouses, children, whanua, and on friends, workmates and others in the community.
How to test if you are a problem gambler
If you answer 'yes' to five (or more) of the following questions, then you are more than likely to have a gambling problem.
- Are you having problems in controlling, cutting back, or stopping yourself from gambling?
- Do you feel resentful, angry, or irritable when attempting to cut back or stop gambling?
- Do you gamble to escape from problems or feelings of resentment, stress, boredom, guilt, anxiety or depression?
- Have you ever gambled to get money to solve your financial problems?
- After losing money gambling, do you often return to gambling to chase your losses?
- After a win, do you have a strong urge to return to win more?
- Do you find that you need increasing amounts of money to achieve the desired satisfaction?
- Do you ever gamble longer than you planned?
- Did you ever gamble until your last dollar was gone?
- Have you ever relied on others for money lost through gambling?
- Did gambling affect your reputation, or jeopardise a significant relationship, career, or educational opportunity?
- Do you lie to family members, counsellors, or others to conceal the extent of your gambling?
Overcoming a gambling problem is not easy, it can take many attempts to be successful.
For more information if you are concerned about yourself or someone else, visit the Problem Gambling (HSC) or Problem Gambling Foundation websites, or call one of the following helplines:
- Problem Gambling Foundation 0800 664 262
- Problem Gambling Foundation Asian Helpline 0800 862 342
- Problem Gambling 0800 654 655
World Suicide Prevention Day - 10 September
World Suicide Prevention Day this year, 10 September, has the theme ‘Many Faces, Many Places: Suicide Prevention across the world’. The World Health Organization (WHO) says while there are significant differences in the profiles and circumstances of suicidal individuals in different parts of the world, it is clear that the experience of ‘connectedness’ is important in the mental health of all people. But how can we best connect with each other in a world that appears so disconnected?
Suicide and suicidal behaviour is a major social and health issue in New Zealand. Every year approximately 500 people die by suicide and each suicide has a profound impact on friends, family, whānau, and often whole communities. Having suicidal thoughts is not uncommon. Lots of people have had suicidal thoughts and worked through them. Although it may be hard, asking for help is the most important thing to do. There are people who are willing, able and available to help - to both those contemplating suicide and their friends, families and loved ones.
For more information and a list of helpful links, visit the Suicide Prevention Information NZ website.
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