September - A Month of Awareness

There is so much to be aware of in the month of September, especially in 2020. When we practice this type of awareness, it is not just an opportunity to recognize the people in our communities who struggle with the disorder/illness. It's more than just an attempt at fostering more diversity and inclusion. Awareness can help YOU down the line. Yes, YOU!

Being aware of the existence of certain conditions can help you and others identify major changes in health and potential causes. In other words: Spreading awareness is intended to educate the population on serious health issues our country faces. Although the topic is not pleasant and can even be scary, this is just one of the reasons we spread the information.

Another great reason to practice awareness is to gain more support for the cause. Some conditions are not yet curable. Some illnesses are quite difficult to treat! Sharing this information reminds people of the ways they can contribute to others who struggle with these conditions, monetarily or through volunteering. Research can be expensive, which is why donations are welcomed in the health and science industry. Later, treatment options may be equally expensive and hard to come by. This is why we want to spread the word about programs and organizations that assist our community with illness.

While on the topic of research, I’d like to point out that it only takes a single person to ask the right question. Once a scientist is delivered a question, it takes a lot of time and effort to gather the resources and tools needed for the answer. Now, that requires a lot of manpower. For example, the search for the cure of HIV/AIDS is still ongoing and requires multiple tests and trials. Monetary assistance goes a long way for our curious science friends.

Finally, spreading awareness is vital to squashing any stigma the condition may carry. The more people know about it, the less “scary” it seems. Going to work in a wheelchair on the first day might be a bit uncomfortable. After getting to know the individual, colleagues will barely remember that the chair is there.

In addition, the more that people are aware, the better equipped they are to provide support when needed. Not everyone is a healthcare professional, but there are tons of ways to be available for a friend/family member who struggles with a disability or illness.

Check out the following conditions that are recognized in the month of September:

• Blood Cancer Awareness Month
• Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
• Healthy Aging Month
• National Atrial Fibrillation Awareness Month
• National Cholesterol Education Month
• National Food Safety Education Month
• National ITP Awareness Month
• National Pediculosis Prevention Month/Head Lice Prevention Month
• National Preparedness Month
• National Recovery Month
• National Sickle Cell Month
• Newborn Screening Awareness Month
• Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month
• Pain Awareness Month
• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Month
• Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
• Sepsis Awareness Month
• Sexual Health Awareness Month
• Sports Eye Safety Month
• World Alzheimer’s Month
• Usher Syndrome Awareness Day (third Saturday)
• National Suicide Prevention Week (Sept. 6–12)
• World Suicide Prevention Day (Sept. 10)
• World Sepsis Day (Sept. 13)
• National Celiac Disease Awareness Day (Sept. 13)
• National School Backpack Awareness Day (Sept. 16)
• National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day (Sept. 18)
• Falls Prevention Day (Sept. 24)
• Sport Purple for Platelets Day (Sept. 25)
• World Rabies Day (Sept. 28)
• National Women’s Health and Fitness Day (Sept. 30)
• World Heart Day (Sept. 29)

As mentioned before, sharing knowledge in this way can only lead to good things for our communities. Together, we can fight back and better the health of our friends and neighbors. Armed with the power of knowledge, humans can accomplish anything!

Featured image from thelogicalindian.com