One of the most important organs in the human body is the heart.  Sadly, it is estimated that 40,000 babies are born in the US every year with a congenital heart defect (CHD).  It’s still one of the primary causes of infant mortality during their first year of life.  Many of us are unaware of the cause of heart defects which is why the week of February 7th through 14th is designated Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week.  During this period of time, many individuals and organizations focus on raising awareness of this issue along with educating as many people as...

Every February 13th through 19th is recognized as National Cardiac Rehabilitation Week and the life-saving impact that cardiac rehab has had on many individuals.  Cardiac rehabilitation not only plays a significant role in the reduction of potentially devastating effects resulting from heart disease, it helps to improve the person’s quality of life.  In addition to the above, cardiac rehab combines education, exercise, and proper nutrition to help individuals with heart conditions.  Furthermore, it helps speed up their recovery and strengthens their heart while decreasing the number of heart disease risk factors. What are Cardiac Rehabilitations and why is it important?...

While many of us are having thoughts of Valentine’s Day and anticipating the arrival of spring, we often forget that February is National Cancer Prevention Month.  Research studies have revealed that over 40% of all diagnosed cancers and deaths resulting from this terrible disease are attributed to that which is preventable such as: being overweight excessive exposure to UV rays from the sun physical inactivity smoking Consequently, taking preventative measures such as exercising, maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, and using sunscreen to protect your skin can dramatically reduce your risk of developing certain cancers. Cancer Screening and Diagnosis It’s...

February, 2022 marks the 58th consecutive year we are celebrating American Heart Month.  During this month, our country brings awareness to heart disease, the #1 killer of individuals in the US.  The first proclamation of American Heart Month occurred in 1964 under President Lyndon B. Johnson, one of millions of Americans who had suffered heart attacks.  It is also the month for the “Heart to Heart: Why Losing One Woman Is Too Many” campaign which raises awareness of the 1 in 3 women that are diagnosed with heart disease every year. Diagnosis of Heart Disease When getting diagnosed for heart...

Over 13,000 women are medically diagnosed with cervical cancer every year. To highlight this dreaded disease, January has been designated as Cervical Health Awareness Month, by the U.S Congress. By raising awareness about the disease, it is hoped that the diagnosis will early in women in the age group of 35 to 45 years. This awareness has been assisted to a great deal by the advancements in the digital imaging industry. Awareness And Tests for Cervical Cancer With more awareness and increase in regular screening and access to cutting-edge diagnostic imaging, there has been a considerable decrease in the death...

Most people think about improving their health and lifestyle when the New Year approaches. However, only a few are aware that January is the Thyroid Awareness month. If you or your loved one is experiencing thyroid related issues or you are showing signs of thyroid impairment, it is time to seek medical assistance and ensure it functions as it should. It is essential to know that thyroid has an important role of play in keeping you healthy and functioning of the internal organs. Located in the neck, it keeps the metabolism in sync and creates protein, as it is apart...

Healthy eyesight is very important and you don’t realize it until you begin to lose it. It’s important to visit the ophthalmologist regularly. During your visit, your doctor will perform a Tonometry test. If you wear contacts or some type of corrective lenses, this test is performed at your yearly eye exam. January is the recognized as National Glaucoma Awareness Month and it is promoted by the American Academy of Ophthalmology and National Eye Institute. Glaucoma doesn’t really have many symptoms and that is why it is considered to be a silent disease. It can result in irreversible blindness. Millions...

National Blood Donor Month is acknowledged in January each year. President Richard M. Nixon formed the American Red Cross in 1970. January is a time to take notice that blood and platelet donations decrease throughout the previous year making it in short supply for the coming year. Millions of Americans are involved in vehicle accidents, are cancer patients, or organ recipients and rely on donated blood to help save their life. The amount of blood needed to save someone will depend on many factors, such as the extent of injuries, the area that has lost blood, and the plan of...

National Handwashing Awareness Week is observed the first full week of December.  It’s safe to say that our personal hygiene starts and ends with our hands.  Although our parents taught us to always wash our hands before meals, germs don’t care about the time of day.  The bottom line is that washing your hands prevents the spread of illnesses.  It helps to teach your child to wash their hands early on so that they’re in the habit of doing so as they grow up. Washing their hands will improve their immunity and keep them healthy. Thus, it’s extremely important to...

n 2005, the CDC established National Influenza Vaccination Week to emphasize the importance of getting a flu vaccine during the holidays and beyond.  Flu activity typically increases in October and peaks between the months of December and February.  However, flu activity has been known to occur as late as May.  Consequently, the first week of December is the ideal time for getting the vaccine and having ongoing protection. There were over 49 million influenza cases during a recent flu season, more cases than the populations of Florida and Texas combined.  Of all those cases, nearly 1 million individuals were hospitalized...

Of all of the diseases that medicine has yet to find a cure for, Alzheimer’s is considered one of the cruelest on record in that the individual suffering with the disease literally vanishes to the point that they no longer exist.  The month of November is designated as National Alzheimer’s Disease Month to remind us that over 5 million Americans now suffer with this incurable disease. Furthermore, it is the 6th leading cause of death in the US today and the number of cases has more than doubled since 1983 when then President Ronald Reagan declared November as National Alzheimer’s...

The leading cause of cancer-related deaths among men and women in the US is lung cancer.  As with any type of cancer, the key to surviving the disease is early detection.  Different individuals often manifest different symptoms.  However, most individuals who have lung cancer don’t exhibit any symptoms until the disease is advanced.  The bottom line is that nearly 220,000 people in the US will be told that they have the disease while over 140,000 will die from it. Two Types of Lung Cancer to be Aware of Doctors have divided lung cancer into two primary forms based on the...

National Respiratory Care Week provides important information regarding breathing issues.  While this week highlights the efforts to reduce disabling breathing conditions, it’s also devoted to helping raise public awareness about what can be done to reduce these debilitating lung conditions. Why is this Week so important? National Respiratory Care Week is important for a couple of reasons.  First and most important, it acknowledges and promotes hard-working respiratory therapists on a global scale.  Second, it provides an opportunity to generate more awareness of this outstanding profession.  Unfortunately, these healthcare specialists don’t always get the credit and kudos they deserve.  However, National...

If you’ve been struggling with back and joint pain, you’re not alone.  Statistics show that some of the most common problems that millions of individuals are suffering with are bone and joint issues.  Currently, one of the best information sources for the cause and prevention of these musculoskeletal ailments is Bone and Joint Health Action Week.  The event takes place every year between October 12th – 20th and focuses on the prevention and treatment of arthritis, back pain, osteoporosis, and pediatric conditions that affect bone health. Bone and Joint Health Action Week helps to raise awareness regarding the prevention, management,...