Mayor has a Byrne-ing desire to help us
Oldham’s first Conservative Mayor since 2014 met our founder and booked herself in for fundraisers and other events to help boost Endometriosis Awareness North.
And at a Mayor’s Parlor parley, Councillor Pam Byrne was even presented with Dr Sharma’s tome, “Endometriosis in Primary Care.”
Oldham has been synonymous with our charity since its creation in a Chadderton GP surgery! It has since hosted a plethora of events for us and become a leader in the promotion of women’s health, particularly within the South Asian community.
It was actually at a Pink Chai gathering where Dr Sharma was talking about breast cancer, that the two women first met.
Our charity believes that endometriosis is a deeply human issue that transcends political divisions and is happy to work with any decisionmakers dedicated to combating the condition.
If you would like to join us, email endometriosisawarenessnorth@gmail.com
Doctors - time to prioritise diabetes link
New research has shown that endo warriors have a 46% greater chance of contracting type two diabetes than other groups.
All of which has prompted our founder Dr Anita Sharma to offer some advice to doctors on our FORMEDICS page.
She will also be blogging shortly on the implications for those with endometriosis – and offering her take on the importance of testing.
Consultant peps-up cancer podcast
It is indeed, “a heavy topic that causes so much anxiety.”
So, we were privileged to have our friend and expert gynaecological consultant Dr Gaity Ahmad with us, for our latest Endo Unfiltered broadcast on endometriosis and cancer. (Go to PODCASTSPAGE)
The Manchester specialist obstetrician has been an invaluable support in the past, speaking at webinar events, featuring on our home page film, and generally mentoring and encouraging our charity.
Along with Dr Anita Sharma, she discussed questions around endometriosis and cancer and reiterated her desire for all women to “have clear and honest information about their condition.”
Our founder Dr Sharma said: “I am confident that this discussion will be valuable not only to doctors and healthcare professionals but also to the many individuals living with endometriosis.
Many thanks to Dr Gaity Ahmad. Collective efforts like these play a vital role in advancing awareness, education, and support for those affected by endometriosis.”
If you work in healthcare, why not visit our FORMEDICS page, which carries all the very latest on endo, including recent advice from Mr. Diwakar Sarma, The President of the Surgery Section of the Royal Society of Medicine, on endometriosis and bowel surgery.
Introducing Iqra
A high school student hoping to help girls speak up about menstrual health, has become the youngest-ever member of our charity’s team.
Iqra Iqbal is still completing her studies at Falinge Park High in Oldham. But she now wants to combine them with a mission to help young people understand endometriosis and get girls to speak up and out, about their symptoms.
Our founder Dr Anita Sharma said: “As a high school student, Iqra understands how period pain can affect concentration, attendance, and everyday life. She believes there needs to be greater awareness of menstrual health within schools and is committed to helping break the stigma surrounding conversations about periods and women's health.
Iqra is keen to support Endometriosis Awareness North in engaging with schools and educating young people about endo.
She hopes that increased awareness will encourage girls to speak up about their symptoms, seek support when needed, and ensure that severe period pain is not simply dismissed as "normal."
As the youngest member of the team, Iqra brings a valuable young person's perspective to the charity's work and is committed to helping create a future where menstrual health is openly discussed, understood, and supported.’’
Iqra said: "Young people need to know that severe period pain is not something they should just put up with. By talking more openly about menstrual health and endometriosis, we can help people get the support they need and make sure no one suffers in silence."
Find out what we're really about, on film
Click onto our brand new movie, detailing what Endometriosis Awareness North is all about Endometriosis Awareness North - YouTube
Featuring our treasured case study Courtney, it also gives medics a platform to call for quicker diagnosis of endometriosis.
With thanks to filmmakers Andrea Bertozzi and Pete Gibson Media.
Donate
We are registered with The Charity Commission. Our charity number is 1212676.
You can do your bit to research a cure to endo and support the one-in-ten women with the condition by going to our DONATE page.