April brings showers of monthly health remnders. Don't be an April fool. Take care of your health.
Alcohol Awareness Month
If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation. Do not drink and drive. If you do not drink, volunteer to be the designated driver. If you think you have a problem with alcohol, speak with your doctor. If someone you love has a problem with alcohol, pray. Then seek the help of a support group in your area.
Cancer Control Month
The best way to control cancer is to reduce your risk through prudent lifestyle choices. If your risk factors are beyond your control, such as age, gender or family history, you can control cancer by finding it early and getting the necessary treatment. Speak to your doctor about the cancer screening tests that are right for you.
Foot Health Awareness Month
It's important to keep your feet healthy, especially if you have diabetes. Don't walk around barefoot. Dry your feet thoroughly after you bathe, especially between your toes. Be careful when clipping your toenails; if you can't clip your toenails yourself, see a podiatrist regularly. If you have diabetes, see a podiatrist at least once a year. If you keep your feet healthy, you will always be ready to put your best foot forward.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome Awareness Month
Irritable bowel syndrome is also called nervous indigestion, spastic colon, intestinal neurosis, functional colitis, irritable colon, mucous colitis, laxative colitis and IBS. This condition involves a combination of abdominal pain and alternating constipation and diarrhea. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can occur at any age, but often begins in adolescence or early adulthood. It is more common in women. Risk factors may include a low-fiber diet, emotional stress, use of laxatives, having had infectious diarrhea, or other temporary bowel inflammation. If you think you have IBS, see your doctor.
National Autism Awareness Month
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), also known as Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDDs), cause severe and pervasive impairment in thinking, feeling, language, and the ability to relate to others. These disorders are usually first diagnosed in early childhood and range from a severe form, called autistic disorder to a much milder form, Asperger syndrome. They also include two rare disorders, Rett syndrome and childhood disintegrative disorder. Parents are usually the first to notice unusual behaviors in their child. In some cases, the baby seemed "different" from birth, unresponsive to people or focusing intently on one item for long periods of time. The first signs of an autism spectrum disorder can also appear in children who had been developing normally. When an affectionate, babbling toddler suddenly becomes silent, withdrawn, self-abusive, or indifferent to social overtures, something is wrong. If you notice a sudden change in your child's behavior, see your pediatrician as soon as possible.
National Child Abuse Prevention Month
Every child is a precious, priceless treasure. There is no reason or excuse to tolerate child abuse. If you suspect that a child you know is being abused, report it immediately.
National Donate Life Month
When you donate an organ, you give the gift of life. Consider being an organ, eye or tissue donor.
National Sarcoidosis Awareness Month
Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease that most commonly affects your lungs, lymph nodes, eyes or liver. Tiny clumps of inflammatory cells develop in different areas of your body. It may be so mild that you don't know you have it, or it can be severe enough to compromise organ function and do lasting damage. You symptoms will vary, depending on which organs are affected. No one is sure what causes sarcoidosis. It affects men and women of all ages and races worldwide. However, it occurs mostly in people ages 20 to 40, African Americans, especially women, and people of Asian, German, Irish, Puerto Rican and Scandinavian origin. If you have concerns about sarcoidosis, speak with your doctor.
National Youth Sports Safety Month and Sports Eye Safety Month
It's important for young people to be physically active. When your children participate in sports and recreational activities, make sure they have the right equipment to protect against head injury, eye trauma and other harm.
Women's Eye Health and Safety Month
Whether you are at work or at play, your eye health and safety is important. Get your eyes examined regularly and wear protective eye gear when appropriate.
STD Awareness Month
It's not enough to be aware of sexually transmitted diseases. You need to avoid them. You will avoid sexually transmitted diseases if you only engage in sex with your spouse. If you have sex in any other context, you do so at your own risk.
More health reminders in May.
Share the health.
Deborah White, MD, MBA