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July Health Awareness Calendar

July Health Awareness Calendar



Juvenile Arthritis Month

The goal of Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month is to spread the word that kids get arthritis, too. Most people are surprised to learn that arthritis isn’t “just an old person’s disease” and can affect children as young as just a few months old.

For more information visit the Arthritis Foundation

Cord Blood Awareness Month

Cord blood banking provides a simple process of safely and securely storing the blood within your child’s umbilical cord, as well as the tissue from the cord itself. Parents have the option of banking their baby’s cord blood with a public cord blood bank, or a private cord blood banks.

For more information visit Parent's Guide to Cord Blood Foundation

Healthy Vision Month

File:US-NIH-NEI-Logo.svg - Wikimedia Commonscommons.wikimedia.org

Healthy Vision Month 2024 is focused on helping people with a visual impairment know how to access vision rehabilitation services, mental health support, and social connection.

For more information visit National Eye Institute

National Cleft & Craniofacial Awareness & Prevention Month

Cleft and craniofacial conditions affect thousands of infants, children, teens and adults in the United States each year. Some are born with congenital anomalies like cleft lip and palate, others with more complex, life-threatening craniofacial conditions. Some are burned; others are injured in accidents and animal attacks, or diagnosed with various oral/head/neck and skin diseases.

For more information visit NCCAPM

Sarcoma Awareness Month

Every July, the sarcoma community comes together to acknowledge Sarcoma Awareness Month and pay tribute to those affected by sarcoma, and to advocate for the needs of those living with sarcoma. From Wear Yellow Day to a National Virtual Race to Cure Sarcoma, SFA has something for everyone to get involved in moving our cause forward.

For more information visit Sarcoma Foundation of America

UV Safety Month

AAD launched its annual skin cancer awareness campaign to educate the public about skin cancer detection and prevention. The campaign’s key messages about sun safety were seen more than a billion times in news outlets across the country and urged Americans to #PracticeSafeSun to protect themselves from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation while outdoors.

For more information visit American Academy of Dermatology

July 13th is Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GIST) Awareness Day

Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (GIST) is a rare sarcoma that lacks public knowledge and funding, which makes research difficult. The mission of the GIST Cancer Awareness day is to provide informational support to GIST patients and their families through established community support groups; increase public awareness of GIST using private and public media tools; and to raise funds to award research grants for the expanded investigation of GIST.

For more information visit The Life Raft Group

July 28th is World Hepatitis Day

Every year, 1.3 million people lose their lives to hepatitis. And new data from the World Health Organization shows the number of deaths is rising. The tools we need to eliminate hepatitis by 2030 – but progress is still too slow. Resources are not being mobilized; stigma and discrimination are not being addressed; and despite commitments made by governments and institutions, millions are being left behind.

For more information visit World Hepatitis Day

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October: A Month of Hope and Awareness for Breast Cancer

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about this disease and supporting those affected. While breast cancer remains a significant health concern, advancements in research and treatment have led to increased survival rates and improved quality of life for patients.

Understanding Breast Cancer

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Coping After a Loved One's Suicide: Grief, Healing, and Support

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Coping After a Loved One's Suicide: Grief, Healing, and Support

September is suicide prevention month. The loss of a loved one to suicide is an unimaginable and deeply traumatic experience. It is a unique form of grief that brings complex emotions—shock, guilt, anger, confusion, and overwhelming sadness. While each person's experience is unique, understanding how to navigate this difficult time can help provide comfort and guide individuals through the healing process.

1. Allow Yourself to Grieve

Grief after suicide is different from other types of grief, as it may include feelings of guilt or wondering if you could have prevented it. This emotional turmoil can create what some experts call "complicated grief"—a persistent form of mourning that is more intense and longer-lasting than typical bereavement.

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​You Are Enough: Suicide Prevention Month
Photo by Dan Meyers on Unsplash

​You Are Enough: Suicide Prevention Month

If you or someone you know needs help immediately, please reach out to:
  • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Dial or text 988 to connected with trained counselors who can provide immediate support and resources.
  • Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor who can offer support via text.

Suicide Prevention Month, observed every September, is a time dedicated to raising awareness about suicide, promoting prevention strategies, and supporting those affected by suicide. Suicide is a global public health crisis that touches families and communities everywhere. By bringing attention to the issue, September provides an opportunity for education, outreach, and hope for those struggling.

The History of Suicide Prevention Month

Suicide Prevention Month began as part of a broader movement to address the growing concern over suicide rates worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that nearly 800,000 people die by suicide each year, a devastating statistic that highlights the urgent need for action.

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Breakthroughs in Spinal Cord Injuries: A Journey Toward Recovery and Hope
Photo by Kristine Wook on Unsplash

Breakthroughs in Spinal Cord Injuries: A Journey Toward Recovery and Hope

Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Awareness Month, observed every September, is a time to recognize the individuals living with SCI, raise awareness about the condition, and highlight advancements in medical research. Spinal cord injuries can have life-altering effects, and the community continues to push for better treatments, support systems, and understanding of the complexities involved.

History of Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month

The establishment of Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month came from the collective effort of advocacy groups, medical professionals, and individuals affected by SCI. It was officially recognized by the U.S. Senate in 2014 through a resolution that aimed to shed light on the unique challenges faced by individuals with spinal cord injuries. The resolution sought to raise public awareness about the impact of SCI and advocate for better healthcare, rehabilitation services, and accessibility for those affected.

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The Very Big and Important Differences Between Service Dogs and Emotional Support Dogs

The Very Big and Important Differences Between Service Dogs and Emotional Support Dogs

We've all gone to a restaurant and seen a dog under a table. Or maybe your next door neighbor has a dog in your pet-free apartment building. Both seem like service dogs, but they're not. As awareness of animal-assisted support grows, it's essential to distinguish between service dogs and emotional support dogs, two categories that are often confused but have distinct roles, rights, and regulations. Understanding the difference allows the people who need service dogs most to keep being able to use their services.

Service Dogs: Defined by Assistance

Service dogs are specially trained to perform tasks that assist individuals with disabilities. These tasks are directly related to the person’s disability and can vary widely, depending on the needs of the handler. For instance, a service dog might help a person with mobility issues by retrieving dropped items, guide someone who is visually impaired, or alert a person with epilepsy to an impending seizure.

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