Monthly Awareness

Resources: HypoThyroidism & HyperThyroidism

February also reminds us to take care of our hearts and consider our risk factors. Believe it or not, heart disease can happen at any age. However, some risk factors for heart disease and stroke are preventable. American Heart Month teaches us how we can help reduce our risks while eliminating those we have control over. Do you have one of these risk factors for cardiovascular disease? Obesity, physical inactivity, high blood pressure, cigarette smoking, high cholesterol, or diabetes.

February is Low Vision Awareness Month: Low vision affects millions of Americans, including many older adults in your community. Low vision can make it harder to do things like reading, shopping, or cooking. And standard treatments — like eyeglasses, contact lenses, medicines, and surgery — can’t fix it completely.

But there’s good news! Vision rehabilitation can help people with low vision learn how to stay independent and make the most of their sight. Low Vision Awareness Month is a time to spread the word about about vision rehabilitation and how people with low vision can live full, active lives.

Observed every year on February 14th, National Donor Day is an observance dedicated to spreading awareness and education about organ, eye and tissue donation. By educating and sharing the Donate Life message, we can each take small steps every day to help save and heal more lives, and honor the donor’s legacy of generosity and compassion.

Being on our electronic devices too much can be bad for our health. This day is to encourage us to take some digital downtime.The National Day of Unplugging was created to spend time away from our screens for 24 hours and instead spend time in nature, connecting with loved ones, and relaxing.

National Day of Unplugging takes place over 24 hours from sunset on the first Friday in March. Can you unplug?

Fact Sheet & Diet/Exercise

Brain injury is the leading cause of death and disability in the US. At least 2.8 million American people sustain a traumatic brain injury (TBI) each year.

Get to Know Your Hardworking Kidneys

Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication. According to the Centers for Disease Control, autism affects an estimated 1 in 54 children in the United States today.

Each April, National Donate Life Month helps to encourage Americans to register as organ, eye and tissue donors and to honor those that have saved lives through the gift of donation.

Parkinson’s disease (PD) belongs to a group of conditions called motor system disorders, which cause unintended or uncontrollable movements of the body.

A big part of the work of Alcohol Awareness Month is to point out the stigma that still surrounds alcoholism and substance abuse in general, along with education.

Meeting Resources

Family Resources

Mental Health Awareness Month: Each year millions of Americans face the reality of living with a mental illness. During May, NAMI joins the national movement to raise awareness about mental health. Each year we fight stigma, provide support, educate the public and advocate for policies that support people with mental illness and their families.

Skin Cancer Awareness Month: As you head outdoors for warmer weather and fresh air, the AAD encourages you to #PracticeSafeSun. Follow these tips to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays and reduce your risk of developing skin cancer.

Prayer for Married Couples

Almighty and eternal God,   
You blessed the union of married couples   
so that they might reflect the union of Christ   
with his Church:   
look with kindness on them.   
Renew their marriage covenant,   
increase your love in them,   
and strengthen their bond of peace   
so that, with their children,   
they may always rejoice in the gift of   
your blessing.   
We ask this through Christ our Lord.   
Amen.

Children are susceptible to a host of vision and eye problems such as injury, infection and increased nearsightedness. In support of Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month in August, the American Academy of Ophthalmology provides information to the public that can help protect and preserve a child’s eye health for life.

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

Bruised and Wounded: Struggling to Understand Suicide with Fr. Ronald Rolheiser 

Suicide Awareness is a growing initiative in our culture and our Church that reminds us to regularly check in with ourselves and with our loved ones, especially during seasons of stress, anxiety, or despair. Suicide prevention and offering comfort to those grieving a loss from suicide can be difficult to navigate. This page offers resources for hope and guidance for those who need it.

Support Group

Preventing Suicide: Risk Factors, Warning Signs, Safety Plans and Hotlines:

Seven signs someone is at risk for suicide: 

1. Talking about suicide

2. A bipolar or depression diagnosis

3. Drinking and drug use

4. Feelings of anxiety and guilt

5. Buying a firearm

6. Internet searches

7. Age, most common among adults 45-64

Bringing up the subject of suicide does not increase the chances that a person will become suicidal or be more likely to act on such thoughts. In fact, it is just the opposite. Understanding Suicide reviews the risk factors, warning signs, how to talk about suicide and how Pine Rest can help.

September is Falls Prevention Awareness Month

Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month

Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) is a life-threatening emergency that occurs when the heart suddenly stops beating. It includes people of all ages who may seem to be healthy, even children and teens. When SCA happens, the person collapses and doesn’t respond or breathe normally. They may gasp or shake as if having a seizure. SCA leads to death in minutes if the person does not get help right away. Survival depends upon people nearby calling 911, starting CPR, and using an AED (if available) as soon as possible. Sudden Cardiac Arrest is not a heart attack. A heart attack is caused by impeded blood flow through the heart. SCA is caused by a structural or electrical problem, often from an undetected heart condition, and in other instances, from an infection or a severe blow to the chest. Watch the Call-Push-Shock video below to learn how you might save a life.

Depression and Mental Health Screening Month

Whether for heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes or depression, health screenings provide a quick and easy way to spot the first signs of serious illness and can reach people who might not otherwise seek professional medical advice. Major depression is one of the most common mental illnesses, affecting 6.7% (more than 16 million) of American adults each year. Like screenings for other illnesses, depression screenings should be a routine part of healthcare. Take an online depression screening. MHA’s screening tools are free, anonymous, and confidential.

Resources