During the month of November, the National Lung, Heart, and Blood Institute recognizes, National Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Awareness Month. Their aim is to focus on increasing awareness of this disease because with early diagnosis and beginning treatment, patients with this disease can find ways to improve their overall quality of life.

With the busy holiday season quickly approaching, it is important that we are all focused (especially now) on our mental and physical health. One way to make sure you are taking care of yourself is to get enough rest. But what if you feel like you don’t normally get very good sleep?

Alzheimer’s disease is a form of dementia. It is a degenerative disease that affects memory, thinking, and behavior. As Alzheimer’s progresses, the individual will lose the ability to care for oneself. The disease presents itself in many different ways that coincide with the common experience, “what did I come in here for…?” which makes it difficult to diagnose early on.

As each year comes to a close, we begin thinking about the possibilities for the new year and what we want to achieve or experience. One fulfilling and helpful practice to start the new year in the best way possible is a mindfulness practice.

Although everyone feels down or sad at different points, time helps and it passes. For those who feel a persistence of sadness or hopelessness for days and weeks at a time are likely experiencing a form of depression. During Depression Awareness Month, we are highlighting some of the facts about depression and promoting understanding and awareness of the difference between typical grief and depression.

Most people are familiar with the term “stuttering” but might not understand what it actually is or why it can happen. Although it is more common in men than women, about one percent of all adults has a stutter. Simply put, stuttering is a communication disorder where your speech is interrupted. It is believed to be related to neurological interruptions that get in the way of clear speech.

As we progress through our lives, we often develop a routine that becomes second nature. With advanced age, many of us require additional prescriptions and medications which are important to take correctly. Although it can seem like a simple task to plan our medication routine, many individuals of any age may struggle to maintain that routine over time.

One of the leading causes of death in the United States is Sudden Cardiac Arrest. During the month of October, we aim to join in the effort to raise awareness about National Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month. At first mention, many individuals assume that sudden cardiac arrest is the same as a heart attack, but they are in fact quite different.

The effects of mental illness take an extreme toll on the lives of millions of individuals worldwide. During the first week of October, we join other mental health advocates in observing Mental Illness Awareness Week. It is important to raise more awareness about mental illness and how common symptoms can be for any individual, no matter their circumstance.

Recovery Month has been observed for 31 years, and it centers upon the progress made by individuals in recovery while promoting awareness of addiction or mental health counseling and treatment options. In celebration of those individuals who have made progress to begin living in a more healthy and prosperous way.

September is Blood Cancer Awareness Month, a time for advocates and supporters of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) to raise awareness both nationally and locally about efforts to fight blood cancers including Leukemia, Lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease, and Myeloma.

Healthy aging month takes place in the month of September every year. During this month, we aim to help raise awareness about living a healthy lifestyle so more individuals can look forward to growing older. During the past year, all of us, and particularly our elder population have faced unexpected challenges. It is important now, more than ever, that we address and take a proactive approach to aging.

World Alzheimer’s Month falls in September each year. During the month, advocates aim to create more awareness about the disease. Because Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia are common and affect over 50 million people around the world, it is important to raise awareness of how to recognize symptoms, risk factors involved, and the current treatment available for individuals.

Every month in September, we observe prostate cancer awareness month. Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer occurring in men aside from skin cancer. In many cases, individuals do not present any symptoms until cancer has progressed. It is important that we promote awareness about prostate cancer and prostate cancer screenings to help individuals with early detection and overall prevention.

Gastroparesis is an important health issue to raise awareness about, particularly during the month of August. Promoting a better understanding of this issue and how it can affect an individual’s quality of life may enable more people to find treatment options and learn strategies to prevent symptoms from worsening.

One commonality all humans across the world share is providing care for babies and newborns. Breastfeeding is a natural process that our bodies go through to provide nourishment for new life, much like many other species on our planet.

During a prolonged stay at home or a change from going to work or school and then working or learning at home, routines can change sometimes be affected in a negative way. Habits are the main aspect of a routine, and developing good ones instead of negative can really make an impact on your daily life.

Over 8 million people live with psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis. During the month of August, we draw attention to this disorder during Psoriasis Awareness Month.

National Health Centers Week was created to call attention to the important work that Health Centers do all around the country. They provide services for people at all hours of the day and care for over 30 million patients at 11,000 sites nationwide. Health centers reduce costs by 24 billion dollars annually through specialty care costs.

National Immunization Awareness Month takes place this August to bring awareness to the importance of vaccinations for people of all ages. By continuing to learn accurate and up-to-date information, you give yourself the knowledge to make the best decisions about how to get vaccines for yourself and your families.