Our immune system is what protects our bodies from bacteria and viruses that can make us sick. Our body is a vast network of cells and tissues constantly fighting against pathogens, an activity essential for our survival. Factors such as age, gender, dietary habits, as well as our medical condition influence our immune system.
The month of May is observed as Lupus Awareness Month to increase awareness amongst the general public regarding this disease and its consequences to those affected by it. Lupus is an inflammatory/autoimmune disease where the immune system of the body attacks its own tissues and organs. The inflammation may affect various organs such as the skin, kidneys, brain, blood cells, heart, lungs and joints. Lupus is a life-altering and fatal disease, not one to be overlooked. It requires in-depth understanding and support for people affected by it.
National Arthritis Awareness Month is observed each year in the month of May. It aims to bring awareness about the disease, emphasize the need for further research and encourage physical activity among those who are diagnosed with arthritis. One in four U.S. adults is affected by arthritis. It is the most widespread health condition in the United States. Which means more than 54 million Americans are affected by it, affecting approximately 20% of adults. By 2040 this number is projected to increase to 78 million.
May is ALS Awareness Month in the United States, which is a campaign to increase awareness and raise money to fund research in order to find a cure for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The campaign is officially recognized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The individual states that have recognized the month of May as ALS Awareness Month include Georgia, Massachusetts, Minnesota, North Dakota, and Ohio.
National Women’s Health Week (NWHW) begins each year on Mother’s Day. It is a week-long observance led by the Office on Women’s Health (OWH) under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). It is a reminder to women, encouraging them, to make their health a priority and build positive healthy habits. Here are a few steps to live a healthier life:
National Nurses Week begins each year on May 6 and ends on May 12, Florence Nightingale’s birthday, according to American Nurses Association (ANA). Positioned to be an established event, these permanent dates enhance planning for National Nurses Week. During the week, individuals, employers along with other healthcare professionals, community leaders, and nurses, recognize and applaud the extensive contributions of America’s 4 million registered nurses.
Over a decade ago Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) created National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week. This was done to bring to the national forefront the importance of caring for every child’s mental health. Events during this week reinforce the message that positive mental health is essential for a child’s healthy development.
Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), is a federal program for people who are unable to work as a direct result of COVID-19 and are not eligible for regular state unemployment benefits, such as independent contractors or self-employed workers.
Surgical face masks are personal protective equipment (PPE) that can create a physical barrier between the immediate environment and the nose and mouth of the wearer. If worn properly, the mask can prevent airborne particles, droplets, spray, or splash that may contain pathogens (bacteria or virus) from entering the wearer’s nose or mouth.
As the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic widens, so does the relevance of mental health issues associated with it. The mental health conditions arising out of the spread of Coronavirus is as important as the more visible physical symptoms. One in five Americans currently has mental health issues while one in two risks developing such conditions. So it is essential to implement various professional, personal and policy measures to address these issues without delay.
