The 18 Best Reasons May is Health Awareness Month!
May 2021 is such a special month! Finally, seeing the proverbial “light at the end of the tunnel” from COVID-19, we are starved for community and overall better health! May welcomes warmer weather, longer and sunnier days, and a unique feeling of wanting to get ourselves in better physical shape. One thing I’ve noticed is that there are so many health-related resources that organizations wish that we focus on for our overall health in May!
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One of the most educational and fun calendar resources that I had used as a reference librarian is Chase’s Calendar of Events. Since 1957, the guide highlights special events, days, weeks, months, and holidays from all over the world. Most public library reference centers keep a copy.
Following are 18 of the best health awareness resources highlighted for May:
1. National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month:
With everything in bloom, both allergies and asthma are flaring up more! Since 1984, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America has declared May as the best month to “educate patients, family, friends, co-workers, and others about these diseases.” There is a downloadable fact sheet, social media tools, and a calendar of awareness events throughout the month.
2. National High Blood Pressure Education Month:
The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (under the National Institute of Health) has a wealth of education and resources available for the public. So many people – especially people of color – are disproportionately affected by high blood pressure. Bookmark and use this resource!
3. Global Employee and Fitness Month:
Founded in 1979, The National Association for Health and Fitness (NAHF) is an international observance of overall health and fitness in the workplace. In addition, they want to “champion environmental and policy support for active living, community involvement, promoting quality physical education; developing workforce health promotion programs and active-aging programs.”
4. Lupus Awareness Month:
The Lupus Foundation of America has designated the month of May as their prime Lupus Awareness Month. According to the foundation,
“Lupus is a chronic (long-term) disease that can cause inflammation and pain in any part of your body. It’s an autoimmune disease, which means that your immune system — the body system that usually fights infections — attacks healthy tissue instead.“
The foundation has a vast amount of education and the latest news research and advocacy. Bookmark this site to further educate yourself and others!
5. ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) Awareness Month:
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as “Lou Gehrig’s Disease”, is named after the famous New York Yankees baseball player who was forced to retire after developing the disease in 1939.
The ALS Association’s mission is “to discover treatments and a cure for ALS, and to serve, advocate for, and empower people affected by ALS to live their lives to the fullest.” You can sign up for their blog, find many resources for help through your local chapter, and stay on top of ongoing research.
6. Better Sleep Month:
Good sleep is so crucial for our overall health!
The Better Sleep Council provides helpful tips, a blog, and other resources for obtaining a better quality of sleep and restfulness.
Be sure to sign up for their blog, research, and even mattress information!
7. Older Americans Month:
The Administration for Community Living observes each May as Older Americans Month. This year’s theme is “Communities of Strength”:
“Older adults have built resilience and strength over their lives through successes, failures, joys, and difficulties. Their stories and contributions help to support and inspire others. This OAM, we will celebrate the strength of older adults and the Aging Network, with special emphasis on the power of connection and engagement in building strong communities.
We all can do many things to nurture ourselves, reinforce our strength, and continue to thrive. Connecting with others is one of the most important—it plays a vital role in our health and well-being and our communities. From finding joy in small things and sharing our stories, to looking at the big picture and giving to others, join us in promoting the ways we are connected and strong.”
Bookmark this site and learn from their many resources to enhance our quality of life, and those we love and cherish!
8. National Stroke Awareness Month:
The National Stroke Association highlights its resources to educate and spread awareness about preventing a stroke, recognizing its’ symptoms, and stroke recovery.
According to the Association, stroke is the number two cause of death worldwide and the leading cause of disability. Read online and/or download their many guides, especially their Family Caregiver’s Guide.
If you or a loved one has been affected by stroke, here is the number to their Stroke Family Warmline: 1-888-4-STROKE or 1-888-478-7653 Monday-Friday: 8 AM-5 PM CST.
9. National Hepatitis Awareness Month:
In general, hepatitis is the inflammation of the liver. Inflammation is swelling that happens when tissues of the body are injured or infected, damaging the liver. Hepatitis Foundation International highlights its vast resources to raise awareness and education about viral hepatitis through schools, churches, and various other organizations.
10. National Bike Month:
Established in 1956, the League of American Cyclists showcases during the month of May the many healthful and fun benefits of bike riding. It also encourages more folks to try cycling. Cycling is definitely a favorite activity of mine!
The League’s mission states that:
“We are the founder of the National Bike Summit, the sponsor of National Bike Month℠ (and Bike to Work Week), and the creator of Women Bike. We provide critical resources and research through our Advocacy Advance partnership and legal program. Whether you need to know your state’s bike laws, how to gain funding for a bike lane, or how to engage diverse stakeholders in your community, the League gives you the tools you need to make biking better.”
11. Huntington’s Disease Awareness Month:
The Huntington’s Disease Society of America “is the premier nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of everyone affected by Huntington’s Disease.” According to the site:
“Huntington’s disease (HD) is a brain disease that is passed down in families from generation to generation. It is caused by a mistake in the DNA instructions that build our bodies and keep them running. DNA is made up of thousands of genes, and people with HD have a small error in one gene, called huntingtin. Over time this error causes damage to the brain and leads to HD symptoms.”
If you or a loved one are concerned about this disease, then this resource will help.
12. National Physical Fitness and Sports Month:
Established in 1983 by the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports encourages individuals and organizations to promote fitness programs and activities. Now called President’s Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition (PCSFN), it “is a federal advisory committee that aims to promote healthy eating and physical activity for all Americans, regardless of background or ability.”
13. National Mental Health Month:
National Mental Health Month was started by Mental Health America (MHA).
Founded in 1909, it is the nation’s leading community-based nonprofit dedicated to addressing the needs of those living with mental illness and promoting the overall mental health of all. According to their site, mental health challenges across age groups and demographics have worsened, mainly due to the effects of COVID-19 on our psyches. Fortunately, this site focuses on resources that provide self-help and professional tools.
14. National Better Hearing Month:
This month is dedicated to audiology awareness and better hearing education by the American Academy of Audiology. Millions of Americans have some form of hearing loss.
The Academy has resources on hearing loss and balance, children and hearing loss, seniors and hearing loss, hearing loss management, and various consumer resources to educate the public on hearing loss.
15. Better Hearing and Speech Month:
The American-Speech-Language-Hearing Association has designated Better Hearing and Speech Month to provide nationwide education for people with speech and hearing problems help and resources. Their vision is “Making effective communication, a human right, accessible and achievable for all.”
16. National Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Month:
“Each May, the National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF) works to generate awareness and inspire behavioral change regarding the critical importance of good bone health and osteoporosis prevention.
Osteoporosis is common. One in two women and up to one in four men over the age of 50 will break a bone due to osteoporosis. The disease, which is not a normal part of aging, is serious causing broken bones, pain, suffering, and life-altering loss of mobility — yet it is treatable and even preventable.”
17. Healthy Vision Month:
The American Academy of Ophthalmology has designated May as the month to remind the public about the importance of protecting your vision from eye disease and injuries.
For the public, coverage in The Academy’s EyeSmart website provides ophthalmologist-reviewed information about eye diseases and treatments, eye health news, and tips for a lifetime of good eye health.
18. Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month:
As warmer weather rolls around, many of us are outdoors a lot more. Regardless of our pigmentation, melanoma/skin cancer can occur without proper precautions.
The American Academy of Dermatology provides excellent information on ways to protect your skin from harmful UV rays, information on other skin-related issues, and different ways to protect your skin year-round. Sign up for access to their free online magazine, Skin Healthy.
This May, make health awareness and healthy life choices a priority for a balanced, healthy, and abundant life!
Read more related Balanced Abundant Living posts: Physically Abundant Living
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