HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH

January is a pivotal time of the year when many of us have set new goals. I would like to take the time to highlight that whichever your personal and professional aims are for this year, there should be a set focus on your personal health. 

This month is dedicated to raising awareness for Alzheimer’s Disease in Canada; and, in the United States, Cervical Health, Glaucoma Awareness, National Birth Defects Prevention, National Blood Donor Month, and Thyroid Awareness as well.

The mission of the National Institute of Health (NIH) is to seek fundamental knowledge about the nature and behavior of living systems, and the application of that knowledge to enhance health, lengthen life, and reduce illness and disability.

I researched online and found the National Institutes of Health to be a very resourceful website, https://www.nih.gov/ which provides the following information:

Alzheimer’s disease is an irreversible, progressive brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills and, eventually, the ability to carry out the simplest tasks. In most people with the disease, those with the late-onset type, symptoms first appear in their mid-60s. Early-onset Alzheimer’s occurs between a person’s 30s and mid-60s and is rare. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia among older adults.

Cervical Cancer is caused by a virus called HPV which is spread through sexual contact. Being regularly screened can prevent this cancer.

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that can cause vision loss and blindness. The only way to find out if you have glaucoma is to get a comprehensive dilated exam.

Birth defects are structural (how the body is built) or functional (how the body works) abnormalities present at birth that can cause physical disability, intellectual and developmental disorders, and other health problems.

It is stated by the American Red Cross that Winter is a season in which blood donations are needed to meet patients’ needs.

Thyroid problems affect as many as 27 million Americans. Among the most common problems are hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.

Health awareness months are great reminders to help increase our health education and promote a healthier lifestyle. Screenings and preventive care help our community live longer, increasing our opportunities to accomplish our overall goals.

A la Buena Salud…