More than 650,000 Americans die from heart disease each year, according to the CDC. It is the leading cause of death for American men and women. We observe American Heart Month in February to remind everyone about the risks factors of heart disease and how to keep your heart healthy.

While high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and tobacco use are key risk factors for heart disease there are other medical conditions and lifestyles that can put you at higher risk of heart disease:

• Diabetes
• Not Enough Physical Activity
• Excessive Alcohol Intake

Take time this month to learn about the many ways you can keep your heart healthy. We have listed a few healthy ways that you can start today:

• Get 7-8 hours of quality Sleep
• Eat a Healthy Diet
• Physical Activity
• Monitor your Cholesterol and Blood Pressure

You don’t have to make big changes at once, small steps will get you where you want to go.

Tinnitus, commonly referred to as “ringing in the ears” affects 15 – 20 percent of people. Tinnitus is usually caused by an underlying condition, such as age-related hearing loss, an ear injury, or a problem with the circulatory system.

Tinnitus Awareness Week is observed during the first full week of February to educate others on the symptoms and how it affects people.

Cervical Cancer is when cancer cells arise in the cervix. According to the National Cancer Institute, more than 14,000 women in the United States are diagnosed with cervical cancer.

January was declared Cervical Health Awareness Month to raise awareness and increase education in preventative methods such as regular screenings.

The thyroid is located in the neck and consists of a small butterfly-shaped gland. The gland influences the function of important organs such as the brain, lier, heart and kidneys. Its most important function is to make hormones that travel in the blood to control your metabolism, digestion and regulation body temperature.

January recognizes Thyroid Awareness Month to remind other of the 30 million Americans affected by thyroid disease.

As vital members of a medical care team, pharmacists consistently make a difference in their patients’ lives. Through managing complex drug regimens, counseling on use and helping navigate insurance and cost concerns, pharmacist have an irreplaceable role in healthcare.

Adults average two to four colds a year. It’s time to thank the healthcare workers that keep us through the year. January 12th celebrates National Pharmacist Day, a day that recognizes the importance of pharmacist and their impact on our health and well-being.

National Blood Donor Month is recognized every January for nearly 50 years to remind others about the lifesaving impact of blood and platelet donors. According to America’s Blood Center, 31,000 pints of blood are used every day. 

January is one of the most difficult times to maintain a sufficient blood supply for patients. Make a difference in the new year, and schedule an appointment to donate! 

Clean hands prevent sickness. Washing hands can keep you healthy and prevent the spread of respiratory and diarrheal infections from one person to the next. Remember to wash your hands:

• Before and after eating
• After using the bathroom
• Before and after treating a cut or wound
• Before and after caring for someone sick
• After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing

Happy hands make for happy and healthy homes.

Crohn’s disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that inflames the digestive tract and leads to abdominal pain, weight loss, and malnutrition. Ulcerative Colitis is also an inflammatory bowel disease but it causes inflammation and ulcers in the digestive tract.

While many individuals have heard of Crohn’s and colitis, many do not fully understand these diseases. Every year Crohn’s & Colitis Awareness Week is recognized to shine a light on the challenges faced by people who suffer from these illnesses.

National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness aims to make the public aware of the disease and its scale amongst the American population. Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia, and approximately one in every two American families are affected. Take time this month to learn more about the Alzheimer’s epidemic.

Hospices across the country are informing others about the highest quality care they provide that enables patients and families to focus on living as fully as possible despite a life-limiting illness. Palliative care brings holistic care to people earlier in the course of a serious illness. November is National Hospice and Palliative Care Month. Between Nurses, Chaplains, and Social Workers, these highly trained professionals ensure that patients and families find dignity, respect, and love during a most difficult journey. We would like to thank our caring teams for enriching the lives of our patients and their families every day.