Get Healthy and Help Others in October

This week has seen the beginning of October; autumn has really arrived. For me the beginning of October conjures up images of golden leaves rustling on nearly bare trees, of crisp mornings and cold nights. We are on the cusp of winter. Traditionally, I suppose October has been quite a mellow month. The children have been back to school for a few weeks now, following the long summer holidays, and have fallen back into the school routine. By now most of the students have returned to their colleges and universities. It’s too early for the Christmas panic to begin, so time for a bit of peace and reflection.

Maybe this is why the Government decided it was a good time to introduce Stoptober!    Stoptober is an initiative to encourage smokers to stop smoking for 28 days from the 1st October. If you are wondering why 28 days is suggested, it is because research has shown that someone is 5 times more likely to stay off cigarettes if they have been smoke free for this length of time.  It was first introduced in 2012 and has been supported by both health groups and celebrities who are willing to give their time and support to encourage those who are trying to stop. The campaign has been a great success with over 250,000 people signing up for it last year.

About two thirds of people who are still smoking in the UK state they would like to stop, but it can be a difficult challenge when faced alone. The idea here is that, with support from each other and the celebrities, the challenge becomes more “doable”. There is a feeling of camaraderie – we are all in this together! I think one of my favourite quotes is from Al Murray (a great English comedian) as his character “The Pub Landlord”. He stated:

 'When it comes to stopping smoking the only thing stopping you stopping is the fact that you can’t stop, so stop stopping yourself stopping and stop.”

Very funny ....and yes it really does make sense!

This year we also have the first Macmillan Cancer Support Charity campaign “Go sober for October”. Macmillan is a wonderful charity that provides help and support for all those whose lives are touched by cancer, and their families. The idea is that you sign up for this event online and then make a donation to Macmillan from the money you will save. Participants are also encouraged to hold events in the community or their workplace to raise money for the charity.  

In this way it can be seen to be encouraging participants to look after their own health by avoiding alcohol for one month and helping others via contributions to a worthwhile charity. For those who are slightly worried that a month without alcohol seems a long time, there is the possibility to buy a “golden ticket” from the sponsors that enables the ticket holder to have a couple of drinks on a night that they specify.

This idea has grown from a concept of “Dry July” started in Australia in 2008 by a group of friends, and has grown to become a non profit organisation that has raised 20 million dollars for Australian charities.    

When looking at worthwhile fund raising events going on in October, we must also mention “Wear it Pink”. This is an event to raise money for research into breast cancer. With over 1000 women in the UK still dying from breast cancer each month it is so important that research continues to help prevention and cure for this disease. It is also important to realise that men too are affected, with approximately 350 – 400 men diagnosed each year.

The pink ribbon has long been associated with breast cancer awareness and the “wear it pink” campaign encourages individuals to arrange fun events to raise money for breast cancer research.

So, as you can see, October in the UK is taking on a new look altogether. We still have that sort of mellow feeling but also the encouragement to look after our own health, whilst also raising money to help others. There is somehow a lot to be said about this approach to health and well being, especially just before the mad rush of parties and over indulgence in the run up to Christmas celebrations.

      

You can follow these links if you would like more information on Stoptober, Go sober for October, Wear it Pink, or MacmillanCancer Support.

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