Tuesday 17-10-2023 - 16:00

 Hello!

I hope you are all well.

As you may be aware, October is a busy month. October 2023 is Black History Month, Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the 18/10/23 is World Menopause Day. There is also Invisible Disability Awareness Week from 16/10/23-22/10/23.

Black History Month

It's crucial that we emphasise the importance of listening to the voices and experiences of Black people as we observe Black History Awareness Month. Abertay University will be hosting a panel event called “Saluting Our Sisters” where university staff and various community representatives will be sharing their perspectives, insights, and experiences to mark Black History Month. By learning more about their individual experiences, we can better comprehend the rich and varied history and accomplishments of the Black community. We encourage all students to take part in this event as this offers an insightful and instructive chance to celebrate Black History Awareness Month and get knowledge from individuals who have a wealth of invaluable knowledge to share. Let's come together to honour, recognise, and value the diversity and history that enriches our Abertay community.

 

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

What is breast cancer?

All cancers, including breast cancer, are largely influenced by DNA. Breast cells, like other cells in the body, contain DNA, which contains instructions for cell division and proliferation. A cell's DNA is accurately duplicated during cell division. The term "mutation" refers to a genetic change that can occasionally result from an error. This could then spread to additional cells, resulting in unnatural cell proliferation. Mutations build up throughout time, and when they combine, they result in a malignant (cancerous) breast tumour, which can present as a lump or a mass. If left untreated, these cells may also expand to other bodily regions.

Anyone with breast tissue can experience Breast Cancer. It's important to keep in mind that young adults and students are not immune to this disease, even though the risk rises with age.

Signs to be aware of:

Knowing the signs of breast cancer is vital. While changes in the breast can be due to various reasons, some common signs to watch out for include:

• Lump or Thickening: A lump or thickening in the breast or underarm area.
• Change in Size or Shape: Any sudden change in the size or shape of the breast.
• Pain or Discomfort: Persistent pain or discomfort in the breast or nipple.
• Nipple Changes: Changes in the nipple, such as inversion or discharge.
• Skin Changes: Unexplained redness, dimpling, or pitting of the breast skin.

It's important to note that some breast changes are not cancer, but if you notice any of these signs, don't hesitate to seek medical advice.

It is important that you check yourself regularly for any changes in the breast/surrounding areas. You can follow this link to find out how to check for changes in breast tissue/surrounding areas. For more information, you can also check out this website.

How to open the conversation about Breast Cancer awareness and Checking yourself.

It might be sensitive but necessary for students to have conversations about breast cancer and other health-related issues. Here are some pointers to get conversations started with your peers:

•  Create a Friendly Environment: Encourage a friendly atmosphere where students can talk about health difficulties without feeling judged.
•  Share Information: To spread awareness, share articles, information, or personal stories relating to breast cancer.
•  Speak to the Abertay Uni Boob Team, who aim to raise breast cancer awareness and are holding events during the month of October. You can take a look at Uni Boob team, and other societies, by following this link.

This list may not be exhaustive, but there are usually support groups you can find in your local area too (search "Breast cancer support groups in *insert area*" in your browser)

 

Menopause Awareness Day - 18/10/23

What is menopause and who may be affected?

Menopause is when menstruation stops due to lowered hormone levels. Menopause can vary, but it usually affects people in their late 40s to early 50s. These changes are not exclusive to any gender, and individuals who are transgender or non-binary may also go through this life stage. More information can be found in this link. 

What are some signs of menopause?

Various emotional and physical changes associated with menopause include:

•     Hot flashes are brief periods of extreme warmth that are frequently accompanied by sweating and a faster heartbeat.
•     Mood swings: A term used to describe emotional shifts such as irritation, anxiety, and mood swings.
•     Vaginal Changes: The tissues in the vagina are becoming thinner and dryer, which may cause pain while having sex.
•     Inability to fall asleep or stay asleep, which can cause weariness, are examples of sleep disturbances.
•     Bone Health: Loss of bone mass can lead to osteoporosis and a decline in bone density.

There are various types of treatments available to those undergoing menopause, such as hormone replacement therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, lifestyle changes (link to more information)  and so forth. Contacting your GP in the first instance, can help open the conversation and tailor solutions suitable to yourself. 

Becoming educated on menopause, and discussing how you feel with the people around you can be a great step in taking care of yourself during this time too. These open conversations are essential to ensuring the validation of menopausal people and can help to normalise the experience. There are plenty of resources available in Dundee, by following the following link. In your local areas, there are usually support groups available for those undergoing menopause too (if you search menopause support groups near *insert area name* in your browser). 

This menopause day, we also opened the conversation about menopause here at Abertay Students' Association. We hosted a “Spill the tea” Session- World Menopause Day on the 18/10/2023 from 12pm-1pm at the Junction on campus (Level 3 Old College) to talk all things Menopause! Visit the following link to find out more information. 

Invisible Disabilities Week (16-22 October 2023) 

This week is also Invisible Disabilities week.  

Even though invisible disabilities are not immediately evident to others, they can have a significant impact on people's life in a variety of ways. As students, it's crucial to be aware of and empathetic toward these challenges. In this blog post, we will explore what invisible disabilities are, who they can impact, self-care strategies for students, and how to initiate conversations about invisible disabilities 

What are invisible disabilities? 

Invisible disabilities Health conditions that have a substantial influence on a person's day-to-day functioning but may not be immediately noticeable to others. These conditions can include a broad spectrum of issues related to the body, mind, or cognition and more. 

Who May Be Affected by Invisible Disabilities? 

Anybody can be impacted by invisible disabilities. Students are no exception, and a large number of students struggle with invisible disabilities, for which they may need support and understanding from their peers. 

Self-Care for Students   

It is crucial for us to practise self-care as students, which includes thinking about our own and our peers' health. Here are some methods for self-care: 

• Become Informed: Gain knowledge about the different types of invisible disabilities, their signs, and the experiences of those who are affected by them. 
• Encourage Inclusivity: Establish a welcoming and encouraging atmosphere where people can freely share their wants and difficulties. 
• Empathy and Understanding: Enter into discussions with your peers with empathy and an open mind, ready to learn about their individual experiences.   

Getting the Conversation Started 

Having discussions regarding invisible disabilities helps foster a more understanding and encouraging community. Here's how to start these discussions: 

• Normalise Conversations: Promote open communication by recognising that invisible disabilities are a part of the diverse human experience 
• Ask Open ended questions: Show your interest by asking open-ended questions that invite individuals to share their experiences. 
• Share Information: Promote awareness by sharing articles, stories, or resources related to invisible disabilities. 

Who to talk to about support: 

If you or someone you know is living with an invisible disability, it's crucial to seek support. Here are some options: 

•  Abertay University provides the Advisory service, who can discuss and help to implement support for students. 

•  Counselling team: Abertay University counselling team can provide a variety of support for students, which is available via Abertay Connect. More information can be found in this link.

•  Support Groups: Dundee Access Group is one of the support groups for people with invisible disabilities in Dundee, there are also various other support groups in the local areas (search “support group for *insert disability* in *insert area* on your browser). 

Thanks for reading this blog about Black History and Breast Cancer Awareness Month, alongside World Menopause day and Invisible Disability Awareness Week. I hope you learned/became aware of something from this blog, and as always, if you ever need anything, feel free to let us know.

 

Best,

Liv M x 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There are various types of treatments available to those undergoing menopause, such as hormone replacement therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, lifestyle changes (link to more information)  and so forth. Contacting your GP in the first instance, can help open the conversation and tailor solutions suitable to yourself.

Becoming educated on menopause, and discussing how you feel with the people around you can be a great step in taking care of yourself during this time too. These open conversations are essential to ensuring the validation of menopausal people, and can help to normalise the experience. There are plenty of resources available in Dundee, by following the following link. In your local areas, there are usually support groups available for those undergoing menopause too (if you search menopause support groups near *insert area name* in your browser).

This menopause day, we have opened the conversation about menopause here at Abertay Students' Association. We hosted a “Spill the tea” Session- World Menopause day on the 18/10/2023 from 12pm-1pm at the Junction on campus (Level 3 Old College) to talk all things Menopause! Visit the following link to find out more information.