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February 1 – 28 American Heart Month
Cardiovascular diseases, including stroke, are our nation's No. 1 killer. To urge
Americans to join the battle against these diseases, since 1963 Congress has
required the president to proclaim February "American Heart Month."
The American Heart Association led initial efforts to develop Annual American Heart
Month. During American Heart Month, thousands of our volunteers visit their
neighbors. Their goal is to raise funds for research and education and pass along
information about heart disease and stroke.
To learn more, visit www.americanheart.org
February 5 National Wear Red Day
Inspire friends, family and coworkers to wear red and speak up about heart disease
— our No. # 1 killer — on National Wear Red Day!
The concept is simple: people across the United States are being urged to wear red
to show support for women's heart disease. The "Go Red For Women" first
launched in 2004 and since then, individuals, companies, and even entire cities have
joined the movement. The American Heart Association has compiled a number of
resources for those interested in participating.
To learn more, visit www.goredforwomen.org
March 1 – 31 National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
Colorectal cancer is cancer of the colon or rectum. It is equally common in men and
women. An estimated 146,970 people will be diagnosed in 2009, and an estimated
49,920 people will die from the disease. With recommended screening, this cancer
can be prevented (by removing polyps before they become cancerous) or detected
early, when it can be more easily and successfully treated.
To learn more, visit www.preventcancer.org
March 23 American Diabetes Alert Day
Diabetes is a serious disease that strikes nearly 24 million children and adults in the
United States. An additional 57 million, or one in five Americans have pre-diabetes,
which puts them at high risk for developing type 2 diabetes. Diabetes is named the
"silent killer" because nearly one-fourth of those with the disease - 5.7 million - do
not know they have it. For many, diagnosis may come seven to ten years after the
onset of the disease. Therefore, early diagnosis is critical to successful treatment and
delaying or preventing some of its complications such as heart disease, blindness,
kidney disease, stroke, amputation and death.
To learn more, visit www.diabetes.org
April 1 – 30 National Cancer Control Month
By Presidential proclamation, April is National Cancer Control Month. Cancer
control efforts encourage healthy lifestyles, promote cancer screening, increase
access to quality cancer care, and improve quality of life for cancer survivors. The
National Cancer Institute (NCI) funds and supports a variety of cancer control
research initiatives and projects. We also develop resources to help reduce the risk
of cancer and to improve the lives of all those diagnosed with cancer.
To learn more, visit www.cancer.gov
April 1 – 30 National Minority Health Awareness Month
Genetics play a large role in understanding how we can prevent and treat diseases
such as HIV/AIDS, Heart Disease, Hepatitis, and Cancer, to name a few. Know your
risks and what steps you should take to stay healthy.
To learn more, visit www.minorityhealth.hhs.gov
May 1 – 31 National High Blood Pressure Education Month
May is National High Blood Pressure Education Month. About 74.5 million people in
the United States have high blood pressure, which is also called hypertension.
Hypertension increases the risk for heart disease and stroke, the first and third
leading causes of death in the United States. Researchers estimate that high blood
pressure will cost $76.6 billion in direct and indirect costs in 2010.
Blood pressure is written as two numbers. The first (systolic) number represents
the pressure when the heart beats. The second (diastolic) number represents the
pressure when the heart rests between beats.
To learn more, visit www.cdc.gov/features/highbloodpressure
May 1 – 31 National Physical Fitness and Sports Month
Since 1983, May has been observed as National Physical Fitness and Sports Month.
Individuals and organizations everywhere have joined in the fun to promote
awareness of the value of physical activity in the pursuit of happier, healthier, more
productive lives. To further this vital mission, the President's Council on Physical
Fitness and Sports reached out in 1994 to both public and private organizations to
form the Presidential Fitness Partners in May. By working together in this
partnership, our individual health and fitness messages will achieve increased
public resonance.
To learn more, visit www.fitness.gov
May 1 – 31 National Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month
Advocates for Youth sponsors National Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month
(NTPPM). Observed each May by states and communities throughout the country,
NTPPM seeks to involve communities in promoting and supporting effective teen
pregnancy prevention initiatives. The vast majority of teen pregnancies (at least 85
percent) are unintended. Young people of color are disproportionately affected by
teen pregnancy. Most teenage mothers come from socially and/or economically
disadvantaged backgrounds and adolescent motherhood often compounds this
disadvantage - creating barriers to achieving educational goals and life aspirations.
But research has shown that science-based, comprehensive sexuality education,
contraceptive access and youth development programs can help young people make
choices that can protect them from pregnancy.
To learn more, visit www.advocatesforyouth.org
May 25 National Senior Health & Fitness Day
100,000 older adults will participate in activities at more than 1,000 locations
throughout the U.S. on the 18th annual National Senior Health & Fitness Day. The
common goal for this day: to help keep older Americans healthy and fit. Always set
for the last Wednesday in May, National Senior Health & Fitness Day is the nation's
largest annual health promotion event for older adults. National Senior Health &
Fitness Day is organized as a public-private partnership by the Mature Market
Resource Center, a national information clearinghouse for the older adult market.
To learn more, visit www.fitnessday.com
June 14 – 20 National Men's Health Week
• The objectives of Men’s Health Week, as defined by the Men’s Health
Network, are to
• Save men's lives by reducing premature mortality of men and boys
• Foster health care education and services that encourage men of all ages to
implement positive lifestyles for themselves and their families
• Increase the physical and mental health of men so that they can live fuller
and happier lives
• Significantly reduce the cycles of violence and addiction that afflict so many
men
• Energize government involvement in men's health activities so that existing
government health networks can be utilized to increase the health and wellbeing
of men and boys
• Encourage women to expand on their traditional role as the family's health
care leader and activist for enhancement of health care services
To learn more, visit www.menshealthnetwork.org
September 1 – 30 National Cholesterol Education Month
September is National Cholesterol Education Month, a good time to get your blood
cholesterol checked and take steps to lower it if it is high. Cholesterol is a waxy, fatlike
substance found in your body and many foods. Your body needs cholesterol to
function normally and makes all that you need. Too much cholesterol can build up in
your arteries. After a while, these deposits narrow your arteries, putting you at risk
for heart disease and stroke. National Cholesterol Education Month is also a good
time to learn about lipid profiles and about food and lifestyle choices that help you
reach personal cholesterol goals.
To learn more, visit www.cdc.gov/features/cholesterolawareness
September 1 – 30 Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month
Ovarian Cancer is one of the most deadly of women's cancers. Each year,
approximately 21,500 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer. In 2008,
approximately 15,500 women will die in the United States from ovarian cancer.
Many women don't seek help until the disease has begun to spread, but if detected
at its earliest stage, the five-year survival rate is more than 93%. Recent research
suggests that together the four symptoms of: bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain,
difficulty eating or feeling full quickly and urinary urgency or frequency may be
associated with ovarian cancer.
To learn more, visit www.ovariancancerawareness.org
September 1 – 30 Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer found in American men, other
than skin cancer. Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in men.
(Lung cancer is the first.) More than 2 million men in the United States who have
had prostate cancer at some point are still alive today. The death rate for prostate
cancer is going down, and the disease is being found earlier, too. The American
Cancer Society's estimates that in 2010 there were 217,730 new cases of prostate
cancer and 32,050 deaths from prostate cancer. Prostate cancer can often be found
early by testing the amount of PSA (prostatespecific
antigen) in your blood.
To learn more, visit www.cancer.org/Cancer/ProstateCancer
September 29 National Women's Health & Fitness Day
Women’s Health & Fitness Day is the nation’s largest annual health promotion event
for women of all ages. The next event is set for Wednesday, September 29, 2010, and
in future years, will always be held on the last Wednesday in September. This
unique national program — with participation by local organizations throughout
the U.S. — focuses attention on the importance of regular physical activity and
health awareness for women. The goal of this event is to encourage women to take
control of their health: to learn the facts they need to make smart health choices,
and to make time for regular physical activity.
To learn more, visit www.fitnessday.com/women
October 1 – 31 National Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Breast cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the
breast. It is considered a heterogeneous disease—differing by individual, age group,
and even the kinds of cells within the tumors themselves. Obviously no woman
wants to receive this diagnosis, but hearing the words "breast cancer" doesn't
always mean an end. It can be the beginning of learning how to fight, getting the
facts and finding hope.
To learn more, visit www.nationalbreastcancer.org
October 20 World Osteoporosis Day
World Osteoporosis Day 2010 will focus on raising awareness of vertebral (spinal)
fractures. As many as one in three spinal fractures remain undetected and
untreated, leaving the patient at risk of further fractures in what is often termed the
‘fracture cascade’. Vertebral fractures can lead to severe back pain, loss of height,
spinal deformity, immobility leading to an increased number of bed days, and even
reduced pulmonary function. They can have a profound impact on quality of life,
restricting the inability to carry out daily activities at home and in the workplace,
and can even result in premature death.
To learn more, visit www.iofbonehealth.org
November 1 – 30 American Diabetes Month
Diabetes mellitus (MEL-ih-tus), or simply, diabetes, is a group of diseases
characterized by high blood glucose levels that result from defects in the body's
ability to produce and/or use insulin. According to the ADA, it is estimated that 57
million people in our country are at risk for type II diabetes, the type that occurs
later in life instead of during childhood as type I is often known to be found. Experts
predict that it is a possibility in the near future that one of every three children born
will have to live with diabetes at some point in his or her life because of the ongoing
rate at which the disease is spreading.
To learn more, visit www.diabetes.org
November 1 – 30 Foot Health Issues Related to Diabetes Awareness Month
Recent statistics show that more than half of the 20 million Americans with diabetes
have no idea what a foot ulcer is, yet more than three million (15%) of them will
develop a foot ulcer, and 25% of those will require a lower limb amputation as
result of their ulcer not healing and becoming infected.
Unfortunately, many people with diabetes are unaware of the importance of routine
foot care. Physicians and educators are constantly reminding the public of the
importance of measuring insulin levels and making sure to follow a diet and exercise
plan. What about checking your feet for ulcers, callous and sores? This is a critically
important preventive measure as it can potentially save your limb.
To learn more, visit www.battlediabetes.com/diabetes-foot-issues
November 1 – 30 National Hospice Palliative Care Month
During November, across the country, hospices are honoring patients and families
coping with life-limiting illness. Hospices are recognizing the professionals and
volunteers who provide high quality care to those who need it most. National
Hospice Month also provides an opportunity to promote important discussions with
our loved ones and our health care providers about the care we would want at the
end of life.
To learn more, visit www.nhpco.org
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