We offer links to tools and resources for November Health and Wellness promotions.
Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month –
Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States and the only cause of death among the top 10 in the United States that cannot be prevented, cured or even slowed. An estimated 5.3 million Americans of all ages have Alzheimer’s disease in 2015. An estimated 5.1 million people are age 65 and older, and about 200,000 are under age 65, or younger-onset. Almost two-thirds of those with Alzheimer’s are women. By 2025, the number of people age 65 and older with Alzheimer’s disease is estimated to reach 7.1 million — a 40 percent increase from the 5.1 million age 65 and older affected in 2015. By 2050, the number of people age 65 and older with Alzheimer’s disease may nearly triple, from 5.1 million to a projected 13.8 million, barring the development of medical breakthroughs to prevent or cure the disease.
Additional resources:
American Diabetes Month
“Nearly 30 million children and adults in the United States have diabetes. Another 86 million Americans have prediabetes and are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes. The American Diabetes Association estimates that the total national cost of diagnosed diabetes in the United States is $245 billion.
American Diabetes Month takes place each November and is a time to come together as a community to Stop Diabetes!” At this link, you can find posters, fact sheets, web banners, social media posts and more in English and Spanish.
Additional resources:
COPD Awareness Month
“Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is the 3rd leading cause of death in the United States. The disease kills more than 120,000 Americans each year—that’s 1 death every 4 minutes—and causes serious, long-term disability. The number of people with COPD is increasing. More than 12 million people are diagnosed with COPD and an additional 12 million likely have the disease and don’t even know it. ”
Epilepsy Awareness Month
“Epilepsy affects about 2 million people in the United States and is characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures. Delayed recognition of these seizures and inadequate treatment increases the risk for additional seizures, disability, decreased health-related quality of life and, in rare instances, death. Although epilepsy can occur at any age, the condition is more likely to begin among children less than 2 years of age and adults older than 65 years. As do many who live with other chronic disorders, those with epilepsy often face challenges related to managing epilepsy treatment, symptoms, disability, lifestyle limitations, emotional stress, and stigma.”
Lung Cancer Awareness Month
The Lung Cancer Alliance provides links to resource, events and tools to learn more about lung cancer, to find support for people with lung cancer and their families and ways to help those who are impacted.
According to the CDC, “Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death and the second most common cancer among both men and women in the United States. The most important thing you can do to lower your lung cancer risk is to quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke. For help quitting, visit smokefree.gov, call 1 (800) QUIT-NOW (784-8669), or text “QUIT” to 47848 from your cell phone. The second leading cause of lung cancer is radon, a naturally occurring gas that comes from rocks and dirt and can get trapped in houses and buildings. Get your home tested for radon.”
See also: The American Cancer Society
Movember
Grow a mustache: raise money and awareness for both prostate and testicular cancer. “The Movember Foundation is a global charity committed to men living happier, healthier, longer lives. Since 2003, millions have joined the men’s health movement, raising $650 million and funding over 1,000 programs focusing on prostate cancer, testicular cancer, poor mental health and physical inactivity.”
Other observances
National Adoption Awareness Month
National Family Caregivers Month
Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month
November 4 – National Eating Healthy Day
November 14 – World Diabetes Day
November 16-22 Get Smart About Antibiotics Week
November 17 – Take a Hike Day
November 19 – Great American Smokeout
November 21 – International Survivors of Suicide Day
November 25 – 1/1/2016 – Tie One on for Safety
November 26 – National Family Health History Day