American Diabetes Month – Available resources include fact sheets, newsletter inserts, bilingual posters and a Diabetes Stops Here Blog. Nearly 24 million US children and adults live with diabetes, and an additional 57 million Americans at risk, there is no time to waste. One out of every three children born today will face a future with diabetes if current trends continue. A new study from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that on the current path, the diabetes population may triple by 2050.
In line with the month’s focus on increasing awareness and prevention for diabetes, other medical association are conducting coordinated campaigns:
American Podiatric Medical Association is raising awareness about diabetes related foot care and the the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society has issued a Guide to Diabetic Foot Care. In their accompanying press release, they note: “The statistics surrounding diabetes and diabetic related health issues are staggering. Diabetes is the cause of approximately 60,000 lower extremity amputations performed annually in the US.”
November is also Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness Month. Diabetes is the leading cause of new cases of blindness in adults 20-74 years of age, but the National Institutes of Health recently issued a diabetic retinopathy. For more resources from NIH on this topic, see Prevent diabetes problems: Keep your eyes healthy and Facts about diabetic retinopathy.
Lung and Pulmonary Health
Lung Cancer Awareness Month. One of the focal points of the month will be the 35th annual Great American Smokeout on November 18, which offers numerous resources and tools aimed at helping smokers to quit. There are several other areas of pulmonary health that will be observed this November. It is also and COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) Month, which includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis, and Pulmonary Hypertension Awareness Month.
Caregivers Month
November is National Family Caregivers Month. It is estimated that 65 million Americans provide vital care to a family member, partner, friend or neighbor. The national Family Caregivers Association offers an array of caregiver tips, tools, resources, and links. It is also National Hospice and Palliative Care Month, raising awareness about end-of-life care options.
Other November events and observances
- National Epilepsy Awareness Month
- Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month
- National Adoption Month
- National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month
- Stomach Cancer Awareness, including the No Stomach for Cancer wear jeans to work day.
- November 2-8: Drowsy Driving Prevention Week, a public awareness campaign designed to educate young drivers about the dangers of driving while sleepy. It includes a toolkit of posters, videos, fact sheets, and event ideas.
- November 8-14: National Drug Facts Week, a health observance week for teens that aims to shatter the myths about drugs and drug abuse.