United States has several National Health Observances. This June, a total of 13 events are observed. All of these health celebrations primarily aim two things: increase public awareness and provide education on certain diseases.
- Fireworks Safety Month – The celebration of our nation’s freedom will not be without fireworks. However, USA.gov reported that 200 hundred people on average go to the emergency room every day with fireworks-related injuries in the month around the July 4th holiday. To reduce incidence of fireworks-related injuries and increase safety awareness on use of fireworks, the country observes Fireworks Safety Month from June 1 to July 4.
- Cataract Awareness Month – Prevent Blindness America proclaims June as Cataract Awareness Month. It aims to educate people about this most common eye disease. According to Hugh R. Parry, the non-profit organization’s president and CEO, cataract does not always result to permanent vision loss. With proper education and treatment, some people may still see hope. He also stressed that to protect our vision, we must commit to taking care of our eyes today. “Vision Problems in the U.S.” reported that over 24 million of Americans age 40 and older have cataract.
- Men’s Health Month – June is also Men’s Health Month. It is observed to increase people’s consciousness on preventable health issues and promote early diagnosis and treatment of disease among men and boys. It holds health fairs, health education and outreach activities, and more important, screenings.
- Myasthenia Gravis Awareness Month – This national movement is organized by Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America, Inc. Myasthenia Gravis, also known as grave muscle weakness, is often misinterpreted and under-diagnosed. It does not spare anyone as it can happen to people of all races, genders and ages. Treatments can help develop muscle strength but cure is not yet known. The foundation aims increase people’s consciousness about this disease.
- National Aphasia Awareness Month – Aphasia is a language disorder commonly caused by stroke. The American Heart Association/American Stroke Association hopes to increase awareness on aphasia through this campaign. Specifically, it offers communication tips and informs the public about its effects and the assistive devices available for those suffering from this disorder. It also hopes to recognize individuals who live with aphasia and those people who provide care for them.
- National Congenital Cytomegalovirus Awareness Month – Congenital cytomegalovirus takes place when the mother carries CMV (a common virus belonging to the herpes family of viruses, according to NHS Choices) and passes it on to the fetus by way of the placenta. Because not a lot of people are aware of this condition, The CMV Action Network, a 501 c3 non-profit organization, designates June as the National Congenital CMV Awareness Month in the United States. It aims to raise the awareness of the public about the medical condition and to educate communities and the public on how to prevent it.
- National Safety Month – It is at this time that we also observe the National Safety Month. It underlines the need to spread awareness on safety to reduce injuries and accidents, and enable people to support safety campaigns in their own little ways. The National Safety Council reveals prescription painkiller abuse, transportation safety, ergonomics, emergency preparedness, and slips, trips, and falls as among common safety issues that individuals have to address.
- National Scleroderma Awareness Month – Scleroderma is a chronic connective tissue disease commonly known as among the autoimmune rheumatic diseases. The Scleroderma Foundation has been doing campaigns for this disease for over a decade and a half. It hopes to raise awareness and provide education about this condition.
- National Rip Current Awareness Week – June 7 to June 13 is National Rip Current Awareness Week, which is designated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. With summer vacation starting, it is but right for this campaign to begin. This observance aims to educate people on the dangers of rip current and to support rip current safety. Rip current can harm anyone – regardless of swimming experience. According to the report “An Examination of Rip Current Fatalities in the United States”, it is “responsible for an estimated 150 deaths per year in the United States.”
- National Cancer Survivors Day – Every first Sunday of June is National Cancer Survivors Day. Art exhibits, inspirational programs, parades, and others happen during this day. But more important, this is also the day when cancer survivors are honored and when their challenges are brought to the attention of the concerned organizations.
- Men’s Health Week (June 15 to June 21)– Just like any other health observances, Men’s Health Week aims to boost people’s, especially men and boys, awareness on preventable health problems and encourage them to undergo screening for possible early detection and subsequently seek treatment. Congressman Bill Richardson quoted, as published in the Men’s Health Month website, “Recognizing and preventing men’s health problems is not just a man’s issue. Because of its impact on wives, mothers, daughters, and sisters, men’s health is truly a family issue.”
- World Sickle Cell Day – June 19 is World Sickle Cell Day. It is observed worldwide and was initiated by the United Nations through a resolution. Its main objective is to give people more information about sickle cell disease as it affects the quality of life of many children. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines sickle cell disease (SCD) as “a group of inherited red blood cell disorders. In someone who has SCD, the red blood cells become hard and sticky and look like a C-shaped farm tool called a “sickle”. The sickle cells die early, which causes a constant shortage of red blood cells.”
- National Lightning Safety Awareness Week – This observance falls from June 21 to June 27 this year. This campaign, spearheaded by the National Weather Service Department of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), aims to reduce lightning death and injury rates. It also hopes to lower America’s vulnerability to lightning strikes. According to NOAA, an average 62 people are killed every year in the country due to lightning.
