Wellness programs not only improve worker health, a recent article in the North Carolina Medical Journal by productivity experts shows that wellness programs can have a positive effect on the bottom line, too. May is a busy month for health awareness observances – we’ve linked several resources to give your wellness communications for the month a jump start.
Arthritis Month – The Arthritis Foundation reminds us that walking can be a first step into better fitness and less pain from arthritis. Check out the available resources and find local activities.
Better Hearing and Speech Month – resources from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).
Healthy Vision Month – this is a national health observance that has a special emphasis on reducing visual impairment due to glaucoma. An estimated 2.2 million Americans have been diagnosed with primary open-angle glaucoma, the most common form of the disease. An additional 2 million Americans have glaucoma and don’t even know it. Tie in with Ultraviolet (UV) Awareness Month.
High Blood Pressure Education Month – this marks the kickoff for a yearlong awareness campaign focusing on “Adherence to Treatment.” The site has an array of tools, including drop-in newsletter articles.
Melanoma – Skin Cancer Detection & Prevention Month – Skin cancer is the most common of all cancers, and melanoma is the most serious of all skin cancer types. Although it only accounts for about 3% of skin cancer cases, it causes most skin cancer deaths. The University of Tennessee’s Md Anderson Cancer Center has some excellent information and resources.
National Physical Fitness and Sports Month – according to the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, which has been sponsoring this month since 1983, “Adults need at least 30 minutes of activity 5 days each week. Children need at least 60 minutes of active play daily.” Get some ideas for activities at this site. Tie in with Bike to Work days because May is also Bike Month or National Running & Fitness Week, the third week of the month.
Women’s national Health Week – May 13, 2007, and will be celebrated until May 19, 2007. National Women’s Check-up Day will be Monday, May 14, 2007.
Other important observances
Lyme Disease Awareness Month
Mental Health Month
North American Occupational Safety & Health Week – May 6 – May 12
Stroke Awareness Month
World No Tobacco Day – May 31
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