Each year, the 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 your patients, family, friends, co-workers and others about these diseases.  For more information and free resources visit www.aafa.org and www.aanma.org

  

  

The Better Sleep Council (BSC), in conjunction with the International Sleep Products Association (ISPA), today announced a nationwide campaign to stop the growing epidemic of sleep deprivation.

  

  

  

Clean Air Month 

To learn more about this health holiday visit www.lungusa.org.

  

  

The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) and the International Chiropractic Association (ICA) both proclaim May as Correct Posture Month.

 

The central nervous system originates in the brain and channels down through the spinal column, extending to every part of the body. A misalignment of the vertebrae of the spine may result in nerve interference, resulting in headaches, low-back and neck pain, among other problems.

 

Listen to your body. Use preventative measures at work and at home. The key to correct posture is prevention; listen to your body's warning signals and adjust your lifestyle. If you do experience pain for more than one or two days despite using these preventive measures, consult your local chiropractor. Doctors of chiropractic are trained to identify the cause of the problem and adjust or manipulate the spine to encourage the body's natural healing process. More than 20 million Americans sought chiropractic care last year for spinal injuries and pain.  To learn more visit www.amerchiro.org

 

  

  

Healthy Vision Month/UV Safety  

May is Healthy Vision Month, a national eye health observance established by the National Eye Institute in May 2003.  NEI is one of the National Institutes of Health, an agency of the US Department of Health and Human Services.  Healthy Vision Month is designed to elevate vision as a health priority for the nation,  Millions of people living in the US have undetected vision problems, eye diseases and conditions.  Join NEI in educating people about the importance of comprehensive dilated eye exams in maintaining eye health and preserving sight.  To learn more visit www.nei.nih.gov/nehep/resources/hvm/, www.healthyvision2010.org/hvm and www.aoa.org

  

  

  

National Bike Month 

May is National Bike Month and The League of American Bicyclists is promoting two events during the month to encourage people of all ages to get out and get on a bike.  National Bike-to-Work Week will be May 16-20 and Bike-to-Work Day will be Friday, May 20.  For more information visit www.bikeleague.org and for bike routes and maps visit www.bikemaine.org.

  

  

  

National High Blood Pressure Education Month 

May is National High Blood Pressure Education Month. About 74.5 million people in the United States have high blood pressure, which is also called hypertension. Hypertension increases the risk for heart disease and stroke, the first and third leading causes of death in the United States. Researchers estimate that high blood pressure will cost $76.6 billion in direct and indirect costs in 2010.

 

Blood pressure is written as two numbers. The first (systolic) number represents the pressure when the heart beats. The second (diastolic) number represents the pressure when the heart rests between beats.

  

Blood pressure that is slightly higher than normal is called prehypertension. People with prehypertension are more likely to develop high blood pressure than are people with normal blood pressure levels.

  

For more information visit www.nhlbi.nih.gov  for fact sheets to distribute to employees visit www.aahealth.org/ltl_pdf/highbloodpressure.pdf  

  

  

  

National Melanoma/Skin Cancer Awareness Month  

Did you also know that according to the National Cancer Institute, there were an estimated 1,000,000 new cases of skin cancer reported in 2008 in the United States alone?

 

Early detection is key, especially to those who spend extended time in the sun. The most common causes of melanoma are exposure to ultraviolet radiation (especially at midday when the sun it's at it's brightest), family history, severe sunburns and exposure to tanning beds where the harmful rays are intensified.

 

What should you look for? There are "ABCDE" rules of detection: Moles with the following characteristics should be shown to a skin care professional:

• Asymmetry: Any asymmetric mole should be checked
• Border: If the border of the moles are not sharp and there is "spilling" of color over the border
• Color: If there are 2 or more colors in the mole it is suspicious
• Diameter: Any mole larger than a pencil eraser
• Elevation: Elevated lesion

How can you protect yourself? To help protect your skin, wear protective clothing including long sleeves and a hat with a brim; In addition to protective clothing, do not go out during the peak of the day between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm. Use the shadow rule: if your shadow is less tall than you are, then the sun is at its strongest.

 

Use a sunscreen of at least SPF 30 and it should contain products that protect against both UVAand UVB. Apply every few hours (even during the winter); avoid tanning, whether it's on the beach or in a salon; and perform regular skin exams to monitor existing moles and skin issues.

  

To learn more visit www.aad.org and www.skincancer.org

  

  

May is Mental Health Month, which began in 1949 to raise awareness of mental health conditions and mental wellness for all.   This year, we are addressing these important issues through two themes: 

 

The first theme, Do More for 1 in 4 is a call to action to help the 1 in 4 American adults who live with a diagnosable, treatable mental health condition and the fact that they can go on to live full and productive lives.

 

The second theme, Live Well! It's Essential for Your Potential, focuses on the importance of mental wellness and the steps everyone can take to improve their well-being and resiliency in the face of difficult times and challenges.

 

To learn more and download free resources visit www.mentalhealthamerica.net/go/may  and www.nmha.org

  

  

  

National Celiac Disease Awareness Month 

May is National Celiac Disease Awareness Month.  Celiac disease is a condition that damages the lining of the small intestine and prevents it from absorbing parts of food that are important for staying healthy. The damage is due to a reaction to eating gluten, which is found in wheat, barley, rye, and possibly oats.

 

The exact cause of celiac disease is unknown. The lining of the intestines contains areas called villi, which help absorb nutrients. When people with celiac disease eat foods or use products that contain gluten, their immune system reacts by damaging these villi.  One person in every 133 is effected by Celiac.

 

This damage affects the ability to absorb nutrients properly. A person becomes malnourished, no matter how much food he or she eats.  The disease can develop at any point in life, from infancy to late adulthood.  People who have a family member with celiac disease are at greater risk for developing the disease. The disorder is most common in Caucasians and persons of European ancestry. Women are affected more often than men.  People with celiac disease are more likely to have:

• Autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus and Sjogren syndrome
• Addison's disease
• Down syndrome
• Intestinal cancer
• Intestinal lymphoma
• Lactose intolerance
• Thyroid disease
• Type 1 dibetess

The symptoms of celiac disease can be different from person to person. This is part of the reason why the diagnosis is not always made right away. For example, one person may have constipation, a second may have diarrhea, and a third may have no problem with stools.

Gastrointestinal symptoms include:

• Abdominal pain, bloating, gas, or indigestion
• Constipation
• Decreased appetite (may also be increased or unchanged)
• Diarrhea, either constant or off and on
• Lactose intolerance (common when the person is diagnosed, usually goes away after treatment)
• Nausea and vomiting
• Stools that float, are foul smelling, bloody, or "fatty"
• Unexplained weight loss (although people can be overweight or of normal weight)

Because the intestines do not absorb many important vitamins, minerals, and other parts of food, the following symptoms may start over time:

• Bruising easily
• Depression or anxiety
• Fatigue
• Growth delay in children
• Hair loss
• Itchy skin (dermatitis herpetiformis)
• Missed menstrual periods
• Mouth ulcers
• Muscle cramps and joint pain
• Nosebleeds
• Seizures
• Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet
• Unexplained short height

Celiac disease cannot be cured. However, your symptoms will go away and the villi in the lining of the intestines will heal if you follow a lifelong gluten-free diet. Do not eat foods, beverages, and medications that contain wheat, barley, rye, and possibly oats.  To learn more visit www.celiac.org

 

 

National Physical Fitness and Sports Month  

National Physical Fitness and Sports Month is a great time to promote the benefits of physical activity.

Getting active increases your chances of living longer and can help you:

• Control your blood pressure, blood sugar, and weight.
• Raise your "good" cholesterol.
• Prevent heart disease, colorectal cancer, and type 2 diabetes.

Here are some tips to help you get active:

• Aim for at least 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate activity a week. This includes things like walking fast, dancing, or biking.
• Do muscle-strengthening activities at least 2 days a week. Be sure to strengthen all major muscle groups including the legs, hips, back, chest, stomach, shoulders, and arms.

To learn more visit www.fitness.gov, www.physicalfitness.org/ or www.maineinmotion.org

  

  

  

National Stroke Awareness Month  

National Stroke Awareness Month is an annual event held within the United States. The aim of National Stroke Awareness Month is to make Americans aware that they may be able to 'Save A Life' of a person experiencing a stroke.  The National Stroke Awareness Month is run by the National Stoke Association who help individuals 'Save A Life' by educating them about:

• stroke risk factors
• stroke symptoms
• stroke preventative measures

National Stroke Awareness Month is also a timely reminder of stroke survivors and how organizations such as the National Stroke Association supports stroke survivors through their lifelong journey of recovery.  The National Stroke Awareness Month program places emphasis on making the public aware about Acting FAST.  According to the National Stroke Association, a person experiencing a stroke can be treated if people have acted FAST - 80% of strokes can also be prevented.

 

FAST being an acronym for things to check in a suspected stroke victim:

• F - Face / Does the face droop on one side when the person smiles?
• A - Arm / After raising both arms, does one of the arms drift downwards?
• S - Speech /After repeating a simple phrase, does the persons speech sound slurred or strange?
• T - Time / If any or all of the above are observed call for 9-1-1 (if in US or 999 in UK) and ask for medical assistance.

To learn more visit www.stroke.org and www.americanheart.org

  

  

  

When you enter a house or building, most likely you assume that it was properly constructed and safe.  Fortunately, your local safety experts work hard to assure building safety and fire prevention everyday.  This year's theme is "An International Celebration of Safe and Sensible Structures" highlights four areas: Energy and Green Building; Disaster Safety and Mitigation; Fire Safety and Awareness; and Backyard Safety.  To learn more visit  www.buildsafetymonth.org,  www.icc-foundation.org and www.iccsafe.org/safety/BSW

  

  

  

The American Humane Association created Be Kind to Animals Week in 1915 to encourage compassion toward animals. Every year, animal shelters throughout the country hold special events during this time-honored week to raise awareness about animals in our homes and communities and to celebrate the unique bond between humans and animals.   To learn more visit www.cfhs.ca and www.americanhumane.org

  

  

Each May, on a designated date and time, millions of school children all over the globe will exercise simultaneously in a symbolic gesture of fitness and unity to show the world that they do not fit into that negative stereotype of being "physically unfit". This non-competitive program has proven to be educational, motivational, and fun. When Len Saunders created Project ACES back in 1989, he had no idea that it would reach the magnitude and success of today. The program has been praised by Presidents of the United States; such as Bill Clinton, George Bush, and Ronald Reagan. The program has also received praise from Governors, Senators, and celebrities from sports and show business. Starting its 23rd year, Project ACES has reached millions of children, parents and teachers all over the world, including participants from over 50 countries.  To learn more visit www.projectaces.com and www.lensaunders.com/aces/aces.html

  

  

  

Join Hands Day: Youth and Adults Volunteering Together  May 7 

On the first Saturday in May, fraternalists and non-fraternalists alike come together for JOIN HANDS DAY to make a difference in their communities through helpful projects that connect youths and adults.

 

JOIN HANDS DAY gives fraternal benefit societies and volunteer organizations the opportunity to reach out to people they don't know, to connect generations and to develop new relationships.

 

JOIN HANDS DAY is open to everyone! Fraternal benefit societies clubs, lodges, groups, congregations, businesses and individuals are encouraged to participate. We have developed a full program to help you achieve your event goals.  To learn more visit www.pointsoflight.org and http://joinhandsday.org

  

  

  

Women's Health Week  May 8-14   www.4women.gov/owh

National Women's Health Week is a weeklong health observance coordinated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services'Office on Women's Health. It brings together communities, businesses, government, health organizations, and other groups in an effort to promote women's health. The theme for 2011 is "It's Your Time." National Women's Health Week empowers women to make their health a top priority. It also encourages them to take steps to improve their physical and mental health and lower their risks of certain diseases. Those steps include:

• Getting at least 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate physical activity, 1 hour and 15 minutes of vigorous physical activity, or a combination of both, each week
• Eating a nutritious diet
• Visiting a health care professional to receive regular checkups and preventive screenings
• Avoiding risky behaviors, such as smoking and not wearing a seatbelt
• Paying attention to mental health, including getting enough sleep and managing stress

  To learn more www.4women.gov/owh

  

National Employee Health and Fitness Day  May 18  

This year's theme is Fitness Changes Everything.  To learn more or to register your organization's event visit www.maineinmotion.org/national_wellness.asp to learn more about the national event visit www.physicalfitness.org