December Newsletter

Focus on World AIDS Day 2018

World AIDS Day takes place on Saturday December 1^st, and gives us an opportunity to raise awareness around the fight against HIV. It’s also a chance to show support for those who are living with HIV, and to commemorate all those who have lost their lives to AIDS-related illness.

First established in 1988, World AIDS Day was the first ever global health day, and continues to be held on December 1^st every year. The 2018 #ROCKTHERIBBON campaign aims to encourage support for people affected by HIV, and to stamp out discrimination against HIV-positive people.

The Battle against Discrimination

HIV-positive people still face a lot of unfair stigma and discrimination at work, in their communities, and even in their own families. This discrimination can have a devastating effect, isolating the people affected and discouraging them from seeking care and support.

By getting involved and helping to spread awareness this World AIDS Day, you can help to dismantle the unnecessary stigma around HIV and AIDS.

How to Commemorate World AIDS Day

Here are a few ways to show your solidarity with those affected by HIV and AIDS:

Purchase and wear your red ribbon.
Visit the official World AIDS Day website and download promotional material, such as flyers and posters, to make available in your workplace and community.
Set an example to your loved ones by getting tested and knowing your status.
Attend a fundraising event in your area – you can find a list of local concerts, sports events or religious events online.
You can also organise and host a fundraising event or awareness-raising talk in your community or workplace.

World AIDS Day only comes once a year, but it’s important to help in the fight against AIDS all year round. Think about getting involved as a volunteer or activist, so you can help to champion the rights of those affected by HIV and AIDS.

Sources

About World AIDS Day. Retrieved from: http://www.worldaidsday.org/about/

World AIDS Day – South African Government. Retrieved from: https://www.gov.za/world-aids-day-1

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Festive shopping season is upon us, and everyone is hunting for the best deals. Many people fall into the “buy now, pay later” trap when shopping for gifts, putting high-cost items on their credit cards to repay at a later date. Financial institutions report a big surge in requests for extra financial help in January each year, as these buyers start feeling the effects of overspending.

Instead of buying now and paying later, set a budget and stick to it – and leave the credit cards at home when you go to the mall. Try to plan your gift purchases ahead of time, so you don’t end up with bulk expenses towards the end of the year.

Caring Families

If you’re a working parent struggling to balance your career and your family life, here are a few quick tips to help you do that:

Plan your work week carefully beforehand, to avoid unexpected overtime and late hours.
Look for job opportunities in your field that offer options for flexi-time or telecommuting.
Make a conscious decision not to take any work home with you.
Establish a routine that will help you and your family get to school and work on time – this makes it easier for you to leave work on time without any guilt.
Ask for help! This might mean dividing more responsibilities between you and your partner, or hiring a domestic worker or au pair to help around the house and give you more family time.