Every month, there are hundreds of national and international celebrations dedicated to raising awareness and support for meaningful health issues. June is Men’s Health Month, a time to raise awareness in your community about the importance of early detection of common health issues among men

Cancer Survivors Day: On the first Sunday in June each year, on June 2 this year, the nonprofit National Cancer Survivors Day Foundation rallies its forces and resources to promote National Cancer Survivors Day in the U.S. and worldwide, as it has done since 1988. The NCSD Foundation bills the holiday as a “celebration of life” where survivors — described as anyone who has a history of the disease, from the point of diagnosis through the remainder of life — gather with friends, families, and supporters to raise awareness, spread information, provide services, and honor other survivors, all to show that life after a cancer diagnosis can be full and fruitful. Many survivors of cancer make a conscious choice to start living a healthier lifestyle once they are cancer free.

Men’s Health Month, a time to raise awareness in your community about the importance of early detection of common health issues among men. Many men do not get medical care, undergo preventive screenings, or even have a primary care doctor. All men need to have regular checkups and be aware of health risks for their age, ethnicity, and lifestyle. Men’s Health Month encourages men to take charge of and be proactive in their overall health. It’s a great time to remind the men you know who have blood disorders to care for their bodies! This includes eating right, exercising, and taking charge of their mental health and well-being.

Headache and Migraine Month, for many of us, a headache is something we just have to ride out with a mild painkiller. But sometimes a headache can be indicative of a much more serious condition.

PTSD Awareness Month: PTSD is not a newly recognized mental disorder. The disorder dates back to 50 B.C. when it was described in a poem by Hippocrates. He talks about the experiences of a soldier returning home after a battle. PTSD started gaining more attention after the wars between England and France when many people, civilians and soldiers alike, reported experiencing symptoms like anxiety, insomnia, intrusive and disturbing thoughts, and flashbacks. This continued throughout WW1 and WW2, with PTSD being named as ‘Shell Shock’ and ‘Battle Fatigue’, respectively. It was during the 1970s’ Vietnam War that the mental disorder was renamed PTSD. Earlier treatments involved electric shock therapy and other painful options. But today’s modern technology and extensive research have led to much better and effective treatments like group therapy, counseling, and antidepressants. Many people believe that PTSD can only happen to soldiers or people living in war zones, but anyone can experience an event that can trigger this disorder.

Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month: a time when people around the nation are having conversations about their own cognitive health — and discussing cognitive well-being with friends, family members, and health care providers. Because Alzheimer’s develops over time — often over many years, if not decades — public health professionals have many opportunities to take action. Exercise is good for every part of your body, even your brain. For Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, physical activity can help improve brain health.

Hernia Awareness: While the term hernia may be spoken about often, many people are unsure what a hernia actually is and how it can be treated. A hernia is an uncomfortable condition in which an organ or tissue slips through a weak area in the surrounding muscle or connective tissue that holds the abdominal organs in place. It can occur and develop anywhere in the body, especially in the abdominal wall.

Common Symptoms of Hernias:

• Pain or soreness in the affected area, especially when bending over, coughing or lifting;
• Visibly noticeable protrusion; – Burning, gurgling or aching in the area of the hernia bulge;
• Weakness, pressure or a feeling of heaviness in the abdomen; Five Main Causes of a Hernia;
• Congenital defects;
• Prior surgeries;
• Pregnancy;
• Improper lifting of heavy objects;
• Advanced age & loss of tone.

Together, by sharing information, we can take steps to improve health within our communities and nation.