May is Mental Health Month
This year’s May is Mental Health Month Campaign and Toolkit will use the theme B4Stage4 and will focus on how people can address their mental health early, rather than at “Stage 4” – when symptoms are more severe, and recovery a longer process. Get graphics and fact sheets and access online screenings. Also, see the National Alliance on Mental Illness for activities, resources and tools.
National Physical Fitness and Sports Month
Use this month to raise awareness about the benefits of physical activity. Get resources to share, including fact sheets, widgets, tips and trackers; download a sample newsletter announcement and get tweets and web badges. Get the Be Active Your Way Widget
National Bike Month
May is National Bike Month, sponsored by the League of American Bicyclists and celebrated in communities from coast to coast. Established in 1956, National Bike Month is a chance to showcase the many benefits of bicycling — and encourage more folks to giving biking a try. Promotional materials include posters web banners, a social media toolkit and more.
Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is the main cause of skin cancer. UV radiation can also come from tanning booths or sunlamps. The most dangerous kind of skin cancer is called melanoma. The good news? Skin cancer can almost always be cured when it’s found and treated early. Communities, health professionals, and families can work together to prevent skin cancer or detect it early on.
National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) declares May to be “National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month.” It’s a peak season for asthma and allergy sufferers, and a perfect time to educate family, friends, co-workers and others about these diseases. Asthma affects approximately 25.9 million Americans and more than 50 million Americans suffer from all types of allergies. Here are Social Media tools to help spread awareness.
National Arthritis Awareness Month
The Arthritis Foundation says, “Since arthritis is often an invisible disease, it’s not always easy for people to see the physical and emotional toll it can take on those affected. Living with a disease whose symptoms and effects aren’t obvious adds an additional challenge for people trying to cope with chronic diseases like arthritis. There’s also a misconception that arthritis is a disease that only affects the elderly. In reality, this debilitating disease affects more than 50 million adults and an estimated 300,000 children in the U.S. alone. What’s more, one out of every three veterans and service members in the U.S. has arthritis.”
May is ALS Awareness Month
Also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. Motor neurons reach from the brain to the spinal cord and from the spinal cord to the muscles throughout the body. The progressive degeneration of the motor neurons in ALS eventually leads to their death. When the motor neurons die, the ability of the brain to initiate and control muscle movement is lost. With voluntary muscle action progressively affected, patients in the later stages of the disease may become totally paralyzed. Learn more in this infographic.
May 1-7 – North American Occupational Safety & Health (NAOSH) Week – to focus employers, employees, partners and the public on the importance of preventing injury and illness in the workplace, at home and in the community.
May 8-14 – Women’s Health Week – An observance led by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women’s Health, the goal is to empower women to make their health a priority. The week also serves as a time to help women understand what steps they can take to improve their health. The 16th annual National Women’s Health Week kicks off on Mother’s Day, May 8, and is celebrated until May 14.
May 15-21 – Dog Bite Prevention Week – Every year, more than 4.5 million people in the U.S. are bitten by dogs, and about 1 in 5 of those people require medical attention. It’s a serious public health issue. Children and elderly are the two most common bite victims. This week is dedicated to helping to educate about things you can do to avoid dog bites.
May 15-21 – Hurricane Preparedness Week – Hurricane hazards come in many forms, including storm surge, heavy rainfall, inland flooding, high winds, tornadoes, and rip currents. The National Weather Service is responsible for protecting life and property through issuance of timely watches and warnings, but it is essential that your family be ready before a storm approaches. Furthermore, mariners should be aware of special safety precautions when confronted with a hurricane.
May 16-20 – Bike to Work Week – In addition to being Bike Month, this week in May is dedicated to encouraging employees to bike to work for the week. Friday May 20 is Bike to Work Day.
May 17 – 23 – National EMS Week – Presented by ACEP in partnership with the National Association of EMT’s (NAEMT) to bring together local communities and medical personnel to publicize safety and honor the dedication of those who provide the day-to-day lifesaving services of medicine’s “front line.”