In partnership with our member charities, Community Health Charities continues to offer National Health Day email updates to businesses throughout New England. This email is designed to promote and enhance the health and wellness of employees and their families.
To support any of the health charities we represent, be sure to ask about our charitable giving campaigns for the workplace to support your health charity(ies) of choice.
ALS Awareness Month
New York Yankees legend, Lou Gehrig, was diagnosed in 1939 with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a progressive and invariably fatal disease that attacks nerve cells which are responsible for controlling voluntary muscles. ALS was first described in 1869 by a French neurologist; however Gehrig brought worldwide attention to this disease when he abruptly retired from baseball after being diagnosed with it. Early symptoms can be a weakness of the hand, foot, arm or leg and difficultly in speaking, swallowing, or walking. The disease more often strikes people between the ages of 40 and 70. An estimated 30,000 Americans live with ALS and every 90 minutes someone dies of it. The ALS Association funded a recent study which discovered a new gene that causes forms of ALS leading researchers to find new ways to understand the disease. Although ALS may shorten life, it does not have to destroy it. For more information on ALS, go to www.alsa.org. A Lunch & Learn on this topic is available. Please refer to topic 40 in your Lunch & Learn booklet.
Source: ALS Association
Skin Cancer Detection & Prevention Month
Artificial sun tanning has become increasingly popular, making it a $5 billion-a-year industry. On an average day, more than a million people visit tanning salons to achieve that summer glow. Keep in mind that 62,000 Americans, or 3,000 New Englanders, will develop melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. The majority of skin cancers occur because of unprotected exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UV). Most of UV radiation comes from sunlight but it can also be found in artificial sources such as tanning booths. Tanning beds can emit more UV radiation than the sun and therefore can be more powerful sometimes. Younger adults often use this mode of tanning to get a "base" tan because it will protect them from skin cancer but tanning beds are not safe alternatives to a natural tan. In actuality, the tanning bed lights multiply radiation received, increasing the chance of developing skin cancer. Tanning beds and being outdoors without sunscreen both create long-lasting, damaging effects on your skin. Consider a sunless tanning product like a bronzer or extender instead. For more information on skin cancer prevention and detection, go to www.cancer.org.
Sources: American Cancer Society, U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD)
Mental Health Awareness Month
Mental illnesses can leave one feeling isolated and often require supportive and encouraging relationships that offer an emotional connection. This year's theme for Mental Health Month is "Get Connected". The theme illustrates the importance of relating with one's family, friends, and co-workers. Individuals who feel valued and cared for are better able to handle stress and adversity. For more information on mental health topics or Mental Health Awareness Month, go to www.nami.org and www.mentalhealthamerica.net. Lunch & Learn topics related to mental health are available. Please refer to topics 1, 23 & 41 in your Lunch & Learn booklet.
Source: Mental Health America and National Alliance on Mental Illness
Stroke Awareness Month
Stroke occurs when blood vessels to the brain burst or become blocked. Would you know the signs of a stroke? Symptoms can include sudden numbness or weakening of the body and face, blurred vision, loss of balance or coordination, and garbled speech. The "Give Me 5 for Stroke: Walk, Talk, Reach, See and Feel" campaign, a collaborative effort between the American Stroke Association/American Heart Association and others, is an effort to significantly increase stroke symptom awareness, particularly in middle-aged women. The incidence of stroke in this age bracket has tripled between 1999 and 2004. Early stroke identification and medical intervention can make a difference between life and death. For more information, go to www.americanheart.org and www.strokeassociation.org. Lunch & Learn topics related to stroke and heart disease are available. Please refer to topics 5, 6, 22, 28, 31, and 42 in your Lunch & Learn booklet.
Sources: American Heart Association and American Stroke Association
Asthma & Allergy Awareness Month
Do you know that New Englanders have a higher than average rate of asthma? Allergies and asthma do not have to control you. Asthma, a chronic lung disease, is caused by blocked or narrowed airways. To keep ahead of your asthma, take medications as directed and contact your healthcare practitioner if symptoms do not improve. Allergies, caused by an over-sensitive immune response, are common this time of year, affecting the eyes, skin, and breathing passages. In order to manage asthma and allergies, it is critical to also know what triggers your symptoms. For more information go to www.aafa.org, www.lungusa.org, www.nchs, www.cdc.gov. A Lunch & Learn topic related to asthma is available. Please refer to topic 36 in your Lunch & Learn booklet.
Sources: Allergy & Asthma Foundation, American Lung Association, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Cornelia de Lange Syndrome Awareness Day,
May 10
In 1933, Cornelia de Lange, a Dutch pediatrician, described the collection of symptoms that comprises the syndrome that bears her name. The Cornelia de Lange Syndrome (CdLS), a disorder resulting in physical and developmental abnormalities, is believed to occur in 1 in 10,000 live births. The cause of CdLS is unknown, although it is thought that the disorder may be related to a faulty gene. It is agreed that this syndrome is rare but under diagnosed. Recognizing certain facial features are valuable in making this diagnosis; they include thin eye brows that frequently meet at the midline, long eyelashes, a short upturned nose, and thin down turned lips. Other findings can include excessive body hair, small hands and feet, and partial joining of the second and third toes. In 2004, researchers identified a gene that causes CdLS. The discovery of this gene, an important leap for those with the syndrome, will improve existing approaches to treatment and will benefit future medical therapies. For more information on Cornelia de Lange Syndrome, go to www.cdlsusa.org.
Source: Cornelia de Lange Syndrome Foundation
Lupus Awareness Month
Two women can be diagnosed with lupus and their symptoms can be quite different. One may notice hair loss and a butterfly-shaped rash over the nose and cheeks, and experience chest pain when breathing deeply. The other may discover mouth ulcers, feel extremely fatigued, and have a fever of over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Lupus, an autoimmune disease, causes the immune system to attack the body's own healthy tissue. It affects more than five million people worldwide, predominately women ages 15 to 44. Living a full life with lupus is possible in spite of its demands and challenges. Understanding what's happening to your body and learning why may relieve feelings of anxiety and fear. Pay attention to stressful situations and explore healthier ways to manage stress; stress and anxiety can cause your symptoms to worsen. Identify your support system and ask for assistance when needed. Active involvement in your own care can help you gain greater independence. For more information on lupus, go to www.lupus.org. A Lunch & Learn topic related to lupus is available. Please refer to topic 10 in your Lunch & Learn booklet.
Source: Lupus Foundation of America
National Arthritis Month
Do you know that diet and exercise are essential in the prevention and treatment of osteoarthritis (OA), the most common form of arthritis? Arthritis is a chronic condition that is characterized by the breakdown of cartilage in a joint. It affects over 2.5 million adults in New England. Osteoarthritis commonly prevails in people over age 45. The risk of developing OA can be diminished by making healthy food choices, consuming moderate amounts of alcohol, being weight conscious, and not smoking. Walking and weight training can strengthen bones, so keep moving! To learn more about the risks of developing arthritis and ways to live with it, go to www.arthritis.org. A Lunch & Learn on this topic is available. Please refer to topic 16 in your Lunch & Learn booklet.
Source: Arthritis Foundation and the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
National Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month
Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disease that affects the lungs and digestive system. The body produces unusually thick and sticky mucus that clogs the lungs. This causes breathing problems that can lead to life-threatening lung infections. Because milestones have been made in CF research, those with the disease can live longer. In 1962, the predicted median survival was approximately 10 years and today it is 37 years. The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation funds and oversees more than 115 cystic fibrosis care centers and 95 adult care programs in this country. Because of ongoing research and these care centers, most people with the disease can lead fuller, active, and healthier lives. For more information on cystic fibrosis go to www.cff.org.
Source: Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
Hepatitis Awareness Month
If you traveled outside of the United States, would you know if you were at risk for Hepatitis A? Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver and can result in liver damage or failure if left untreated. There are five types, one of which is Hepatitis A. Hepatitis A is transmitted by food and meal preparers, eating raw or undercooked shellfish, and failure to wash hands after changing a diaper or after using the bathroom. While the incidence of Hepatitis A in this country is relatively low, the risk of becoming infected increases when traveling abroad. Hepatitis A is common in rural areas of countries that have poor sanitation such as the Caribbean and Central America (including Mexico). Vaccination is the best way to prevent hepatitis A. Other ways include boiling or cooking food and beverages, avoiding potentially contaminated water, food, or drinking beverages (with or without ice), and eating only fruits or vegetables that need to be peeled. Symptoms of infection may include: fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, weight loss, and right-sided abdominal pain. For more information go to www.liverfoundation.org or www.cdc.gov. A Lunch & Learn on this topic is available. Please refer to topic 3 in your Lunch & Learn booklet.
Source: The American Liver Foundation, CT Chapter and New England Chapter, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
National Neurofibromatosis Month
Did you know it was previously believed that neurofibromatosis (NF) was "Elephant Man's Disease?" Neurofibromatosis consists of a set of distinct genetic disorders that cause non-cancerous tumors to grow along various types of nerves as well as in or on any part of the body. There are three types of NF: NF1, NF2 and Schwannomatosis. Each type is caused by different genes that are located on different chromosomes. NF1 is more prevalent than the common form of muscular dystrophy, cystic fibrosis, and Huntington's disease, and is distinguished by a larger than normal head circumference. NF2 is characterized by slow-growing tumors on the nerve in the brain associated with hearing and balance. Schwannomatosis is rare. Chronic pain occurring in any part of the body is almost always the first symptom observed. Neurofibromatosis affects both sexes equally, is not particular to race, geography, or ethnicity, and can appear in any family. For more information on NF, go to www.ctf.org.
Source: Children's Tumor Foundation
If you wish to be removed from this monthly health enewsletter, please unsubscribe by clicking here.