Days of Awareness: November
As the colours fade and nature prepares for a season of rest, November is a wonderful month of change and reflection. As we take a breather this month before the winter holiday season begins, here are some Days of Awareness we invite you to learn more about:
Diabetes Awareness Month
Diabetes is a disease in which your body either can’t produce insulin or can’t properly use the insulin it produces. Insulin is an important hormone that helps your body to control the level of glucose (sugar) in your blood.
Type 1 diabetes is a condition in which the pancreas does not produce any insulin. Type 1 diabetes generally develops in childhood or adolescence but can also develop in adulthood. People with type 1 need to inject insulin or use an insulin pump to ensure their bodies have the right amount of insulin. Type 2 diabetes is a condition in which your body cannot make enough insulin (a hormone that helps control the amount of glucose or sugar in your blood) or does not properly use the insulin it makes. Type 2 diabetes is caused by several different risk factors and accounts for 90-95% of diabetes cases in Canada.
We would like to give a shout-out to our PPG member, Diabetes Canada, for the amazing work in terms of research and support the Diabetes community.
How to Get Involved:
- Learn about World Diabetes Day on November 14th: https://www.diabetes.ca/
- Learn how to stop the stigma and change the conversation about diabetes: https://www.diabetes.ca/about-diabetes-canada/change-the-conversation-about-diabetes
- Resources on how to care for people with Diabetes: https://www.pharmacists.ca/news-events/news/diabetes-awareness-month/
World Science Day – Nov 10th
The World Science Day for Peace and Development (WSDPD) is annually held on November 10 to raise awareness of the benefits of science worldwide. The WSDPD is also known as “World Science Day.” As an organization heavily involved in science and research, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority honours World Science Day each and very day! As the United Nations sates, World Science Day for Peace and Development “also underscores the role scientists play in broadening our understanding of the remarkable, fragile planet we call home and in making our societies more sustainable.”
Ways to Get Involved:
- Learn more through the UNESCO: https://www.unesco.org/en/days/science-peace-development
- Find out about the kinds of research happening at TRCA like our Tommy Thompson Bird Research Station: https://trca.ca/news/tommy-thompson-park-bird-research-station/
National Child Day – Nov 20th
The United Nations adopted the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) on November 20, 1989. Canada joined in 1991, making a commitment to ensure that all children are treated with dignity and respect and have every opportunity to reach their full potential.
This commitment includes:
- Protecting children from harm
- Ensuring children’s basic needs are met
- Providing children opportunities to have a voice (speak out and be heard)
Ways to Get Involved:
- Learn more through the Government of Canada: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/national-child-day.html
- Read up on the United Nations: Convention on the Rights of the Child: https://www.ohchr.org/en/instruments-mechanisms/instruments/convention-rights-child
World Sustainable Transport Day – Nov 26th
Sustainable transportation is synonymous with sustainable development. When done right, public transport can provide accessible, safe, efficient, and environmentally friendly mobility for people to get from one destination to the next.
Apart from providing services and infrastructure for the mobility of people and goods, sustainable transport can fast-track progress towards other social goals, such as eradicating poverty, reducing inequality, empowering women, and combatting climate change.
The United Nations recognizes November 26th as World Sustainable Transport Day. Consider supporting public transport especially on this day (and hopefully as many days as you can) and enjoy your journey knowing it’s the more sustainable choice.
Ways to Get Involved:
- Learn about the public transportation options in Ontario: https://www.destinationontario.com/en-ca/travel-resources/transportation#id-public-transportation
- Learn more about this UN Day of Observance: https://www.un.org/en/observances/sustainable-transport-day
If you have any questions about the Days of Awareness feature, please contact Charlotte Hung at charlotte.hung@trca.ca.