In the last year, nurses shown us the vital role they play in healthcare every day. During National Nurses Week, we celebrate our nurses and thank them for all their hard work, and their dedication to protecting our residents while continually providing quality care.

National Interprofessional Healthcare Month acknowledges the importance of inter professional practice and education. We recognizes that quality health care is provided collaboratively by professionals of multiple disciplines. Health care benefits from the diverse knowledge and skills of a range of health care professionals. This month we recognize that quality healthcare is in the public’s interest for overall welfare and well-being and thank all professions involved.

Learning to cope with our stress and finding healthy ways to deal with these situations can go a long way in living a healthy and positive life. Stress is a response to demands on the body and life, a response to crisis and fears. Long-term stress can prove to be more than just a mental issue. From headaches to stomach disorders to depression – even very serious issues like stroke and heart disease can come as a result of stress.

Stress is a normal bodily reaction, but it’s important to acknowledge that too much stress isn’t healthy and can actually lead to serious health problems. Take the time this month to identify stress factors in your life and ways to effectively reduce them.

This April we proudly recognize National Autism Month! Let’s celebrate the resilience of those with autism & applaud their unique talents! Let’s create better awareness, to inform and encourage communities to celebrate differences, & become more inclusive of individuals with autism. Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech & nonverbal communication. It is reported that approximately 1 in 54 children in the U.S. is diagnosed with an ASD. Early intervention affords the best opportunity to support healthy development including, improve learning, communication and social skills, as well as underlying cerebral development.

During the first full week of April each year, the United States observes National Public Health Week as a time to recognize the contributions of public health and highlight important issues that need improvement. Making communities safe and healthy is public health’s top priority. In the midst of the most challenging public health crisis of our lifetimes, it’s more important than ever to celebrate public health.

World Tuberculosis (TB) Day is a day to educate the public about the impact of Tuberculosis around the world. Tuberculosis is a serious infectious disease that mainly affects a person’s lungs. People with active tuberculosis must take several types of medications for many months to eradicate the infection and prevent development of antibiotic resistance. Today we raise awareness of TB and the progress towards eliminating disease.

There are more than 5.3 million children and adults in the United States who are living with a permanent brain injury-related disability. That is one in every 60 people. Brain Injury Month aims to de-stigmatize brain injuries and increase the understanding of these injuries as a chronic condition.

World Kidney Day brings awareness to kidney diseases and the need to keep your kidneys healthy. The common causes of kidney disease include diabetes, high blood pressure, urine infections, kidney stones, excessive use of pain killers, kidney infection and others. You can prevent kidney disease by routinely checking your blood pressure, drinking an adequate amount of water, avoid excess use of painkillers and protein supplements.

March is National Social Work Month. It’s a time to celebrate our workers who are essential in the well-being of our community. Social workers are trained to help people address personal and systemic barrier. They work to create a positive change in the lives of individuals, families, and groups. Social workers provide a voice for equal rights for the weakest of us and connect us to resources when we are in need. We are taking time this month to recognize social workers and the great things they do.

Heart disease is the number one killer in Americans. About one in three women are diagnosed with heart disease. Every February, we celebrate American Heart Month to raise awareness about cardiovascular health, and educate others on heart disease and stroke prevention. Prevention is not impossible, you can start by increasing your physical activity and choosing healthier versions of your favorite recipes. Small changes can make a big difference.