February is American Heart Month, which is not only a great time to raise awareness of heart disease, but also a great time to celebrate the cardiovascular professionals who help diagnose and treat heart conditions. Cardiovascular Professionals Week recognizes the constancy, dedication, and professional commitment of invasive and non-invasive professionals delivering emergent and routine care for some of the most vulnerable and intensive populations in the #healthcare system. We know that cardiovascular professionals and their patients are among those most impacted by this #crisis, and yet, cardiovascular professionals don’t miss a beat.

National Therapeutic Recreation Month highlights the importance of engaging in activities that aid in recover and the healing of people with various disabilities. We honor our recreation therapists and all that they do to help our patients and our residents heal in the most enjoyable way.

World Cancer Day encourages everyone to unite to fight against cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, in the world, one in six people die from cancer. That is 17 deaths per minute worldwide. By raising awareness, and educating other, World Cancer Day aims to save millions of deaths every year.

More than 13,000 women in the United States are diagnosed with invasive cervical cancer each year. January is a month with a special focus on Cervical Health Awareness Month and the work to spread the word in their communities. Luckily, the disease is preventable with vaccination and appropriate screening.

The thyroid is a small gland found in the middle of the lower neck. The hormones it produces helps control your body temperature and heart rate, and help regulate the production of protein. January is Thyroid Awareness Month. Up to 20 million Americans have a thyroid condition. The thyroid can be either over-active or under-active. An overactive thyroid is called hyperthyroidism, which is when the thyroid overproduces the thyroid hormone, T4. It can cause jitters, difficulty sleeping and unexplained weight loss.

When a thyroid is under-active the body doesn’t produce enough of thyroid hormones and can result in slowing down the body’s functions. This is called hypothyroidism and the more common than hyperthyroidism. The good news about thyroid conditions is that they’re treatable. Once diagnosed and treated, it’s entirely possible to live a normal, healthy life.

About 36,000 units of red blood cells and 7,000 units of platelets are needed every single day in the U.S. Blood donations typically drop off during and immediately after the winter holidays, which makes National Blood Donor Month in January a critical time. Donating blood saves many lives and improves health for many people. According to the World Health Organization, “blood is the most precious gift that anyone can give to another person — the gift of life. A decision to donate your blood can save a life, or even several if your blood is separated into its components — red cells, platelets, and plasma.”

National Folic Acid Awareness Week seeks to spread awareness about the importance of folic acid. Folic acid is a type of B vitamin called vitamin B9. Folic acid helps the body produce and maintain new cells. It also helps prevent changes to DNA that may lead to cancer.

Practicing good hand hygiene is a simple yet effective way to prevent infections. Germs can get onto hands if people touch any object that has germs on it. It may be because someone coughed or sneezed on it or it was touched by some other contaminated object. When these germs get onto hands and are not washed off, they can be passed from person to person and make people sick. The best way to stay germ-free is to wash your hands often during the day with hot water and lather your hands for 20 seconds.

According to the World Health Organization’s World Report on Disability, 15 percent of the world’s population, or more than 1 billion people, are living with a disability. Of the over 1 billion, it’s estimated 450 million people are living with a mental or neurological condition— and two-thirds of these people will not seek professional medical help, largely due to stigma, discrimination, and neglect. International Day of Persons with Disabilities promotes the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities in all spheres of society and development. It also focuses on spreading awareness and understanding of disabilities that are not immediately apparent, such as mental illness, chronic pain or fatigue, sight or hearing impairments, diabetes, brain injuries, neurological disorders, learning differences, and cognitive dysfunctions, among others.

Alzheimer’s is a complex neurological disease that is the most common form of dementia. Alzheimer’s is a form of dementia that causes problems with memory, thinking, and behavior. More than 5 million people in the United States have Alzheimer’s and more than 10 million are caring for a loved one with the disease. Detecting the disease early can significantly improve you or your loved ones’ quality of life and prolong lives. That’s why it’s important to get regular check-ups from your mental healthcare provider.