American Heart Month, observed in February and sponored by the American Heart Association, is a time to increase awareness of heart disease. Heart disease kills an estimated 630,000 Americans each year and is the leading cause of death for both men and women. In the United States, the most common type of heart disease is…

AMD/Low Vision Awareness Month, observed in February and sponsored by the National Eye Institute Information Office, raises awareness about AMD (Age-Related Macular Degeneration) and Low Vision. These disorders have an impact on people of all ages, yet few are aware of AMD and low vision symptoms, risk factors, and the way to manage these disorders.…

National Safe Toys and Gifts Month is observed in December and sponsored by the American Academy of Ophthalmology. National Safe Toys and Gifts Month recognizes that, in recent years, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has created a robust toy safety system, by requiring testing by independent, third party testing laboratories around the world, enforcing stringent lead…

National Impaired Driving Prevention Month is observed in November and sponsored by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. National Impaired Driving Prevention Month is a time to raise awareness about the consequences of driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs. The month of December is one of the busiest on the nation’s roadways, and…

Prematurity Awareness Month is observed in November, an opportunity to reflect on the nearly 400,000 babies born preterm each year in the United States and what we can do to prevent it. Prematurity Awareness Month educates the public that about 1 in 10 babies are born preterm, or before completing the normal 37 to 40 weeks of…

Stomach Cancer Awareness Month, observed in November and sponsored by No Stomach For Cancer, Inc., is a time to increase awareness of stomach cancer, the need for a cure after diagnosis, and to spur advocacy on behalf of those suffering with the emotional, financial and physical burden of stomach cancer. Stomach Cancer Awareness Month was first…

Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Awareness Month, observed in November, is a time to increase awareness of Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy, the need for a cure, and spur advocacy on behalf of those suffering with the emotional, financial and physical burden of Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy. Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD) is a condition that includes a group of symptoms,…

Pet Diabetes Awareness Month is observed in November, and while this month was originally designed to increase awareness of this common endocrine disease in humans, it is important to be aware of the growing prevalence of diabetes in dogs and cats also. Untreated, diabetes mellitus can be fatal in dogs and cats. Pet Diabetes Awareness Month reminds…

Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month is observed in November each year. Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month is a time to increase awareness of pancreatic cancer, the need for a cure after diagnosis, and spur advocacy on behalf of those suffering with the emotional, financial and physical burden of pancreatic cancer. Pancreatic cancer starts when the exocrine glands or the…

National Runaway Prevention Month is spearheaded each year by the National Runaway Safeline and National Network for Youth. The goals of National Runaway Prevention Month are two-fold: To raise awareness of the runaway and homeless youth crisis and the issues that these young people face and to educate the public about solutions and the role they…

National Hospice and Palliative Care Month is observed in November and sponsored by the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization. Every year, more than 1.58 million people living with a life-limiting illness receive care from hospice palliative care providers in the United States. National Hospice and Palliative Care Month raises awareness of the many benefits of hospice…

National Healthy Skin Month, observed in November and sponsored by the American Academy of Dermatology, is a public health and awareness campaign that aims to raise awareness about the importance of having healthy skin. It is also a time to educate the public about common skin problems that affect people and how they can be…