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April and May 2005 Health Observances
Health Observances

Health Observances
Learn about monthly national health observances.

April and May 2005 Health Observances

April 2005

National Alcohol Awareness Month

The number-one drug problem in America, alcohol abuse, is often overlooked by those unaware of its prevalence. Approximately 18 million Americans have a problem with alcohol. This month, sposored by the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, aims to educate communities about this epidemic. To learn more, visit www.ncadd.org.

National Autism Awareness Month

The Autism Society of America, celebrating its 40th year, intends to educate the community about the common misconceptions surrounding autism, as well as share real-life stories of those afflicted. To learn more, visit www.autism-society.org.

Cancer Control Month

Cancer is one of the most widespread diseases in the world. This month aims to teach prevention, symptom awareness and available treatments. To learn more, visit www.cancer.org.

Child Abuse Prevention Month

As frightening as it is, child abuse is still of great concern for American children. Endorsed by the National Exchange Club Foundation, this month intends to increase public awareness and stimulate community involvement. For more information, visit their Web site at www.preventchildabuse.org.

Counseling Awareness Month

There are more than 100,000 counselors in the United States--each one a source of relief and comfort to their patients. This month seeks to promote the counseling profession. For more information, visit www.counseling.org.

Donate Life Month

"More than 86,000 people are on the transplant waiting list and 17 people die each day while waiting for a life-saving organ transplant.*" To learn how to become an organ donor and potentially save lives, go to www.kidney.org.

National Facial Protection Month

Almost 160,000 people sustain injuries to their faces while either bikeriding or playing baseball each year. That's an alarming number for only two activities. This month urges us to remember to protect our faces and heads during certain activities. To learn more, visit www.aaoms.org.

National Foot Health Awareness Month

Approximately 75 percent of Americans will experience a foot problem at some point in their life. Do you know the difference between a foot condition or problem and just everyday tired tootsies? To learn more, visit www.apma.org.

National Occupational Therapy Month

This month honors the thousands of occupational therapists who help people meet the requirements of everyday living. Visit www.aota.org for more information.

National Sexually Transmitted Diseases Awareness Month

Fifteen million new cases of sexually transmitted diseases (SDTs) are reported each year in the United States alone. To learn how to help stop the spread of STDs, go to www.ashastd.org.

Health Information Privacy and Security Week (10-16)

This week aims to inform consumers of their rights and responsibilities under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Do you know your rights? To find out more, go to www.ahima.org/hipsweek.

Patient Advocacy Week (10-16)

Sponsored by the Society for Healthcare Consumer Advocacy, this week honors the constant and necessary contributions of patient advocates. Visit www.shca-aha.org for more information.

National Volunteer Week (17-23)

Volunteers make an enormous difference every day. From sitting with infants in the newborn nursery to manning crisis phone lines, volunteering is a much-needed and appreciated outlet--although not recognized, perhaps, enough. Visit www.pointsoflight.org/nvw for more information on how you can help call attention to all they do.

National Infant Immunization Week (24-30)

Proper immunizations in children under the age of 2 are crucial. To learn which vaccinations are necessary, and the approximate timeframes, visit www.cdc.gov/nip.

May 2005

Allergy and Asthma Awareness Month

This month focuses on increasing community awareness of allergy and asthma, their symptoms, treatments and prevention. Visit our resource page to learn more.

American Stroke Month

"Approximately 700,000 Americans will have a stroke this year, and about 167,000 will die from it." American Stroke Month, sponsored by the American Stroke Association, seeks to increase community education and awareness of this oftentimes silent killer. Visit our resource page to learn more.

Arthritis Month

Arthritis is the nation's number-one cause of disability. During the month of May each year, the Arthritis Foundation aims to educate and raise the public's awareness. To learn more, go to www.arthritis.org.

Better Hearing and Speech Month

Talking and listening are oftentimes taken for granted; that is, until you start having trouble. To learn how to protect you and your family against sensory loss, visit www.asha.org.

Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month

With more than one million people diagnosed each year with skin cancer, it is one of the most common forms of cancer. Visit our resource page to learn more.

Mental Health Month

This month focuses on promoting the importance of treatment for those who struggle with mental illness. For more information, visit www.nmha.org/mentalhealthmonth.

Digestive Diseases Month

This month brings attention to digestive health, as well as the diseases that can strike the digestive system. To learn more, go to www.ddnc.org.

Healthy Vision Month

The American Academy of Ophthalmology helps sponsor this month in an effort to raise the public's awareness of the importance of healthy vision. Visit www.aao.org to learn more.

Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Month

The National Osteoporosis Foundation works throughout our communities to raise awareness about osteoporosis and its prevalance. Visit their Web site to learn more.

Last updated: April 13, 2005
Information compiled, tweaked and edited by: Mary Whitmore, Healthvision, Inc.
Sources of Material: Health Observances & Recognition Days, *Society for Healthcare Strategy and Market Development of the American Hospital Association, One North Franklin, Chicago, IL, 60606, (312) 442-3888.

 

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