16 Jul July Healthcare Monthly Observances
To state the obvious, health is important. Each month, there are national observations to raise awareness for different types of healthcare issues. At Prescription PR, we want to make these observances well known so that we can promote living a happy and healthy life. There are many July healthcare monthly observances approaching, here’s what you need to know:
Cord Blood Awareness Month
A stem cell transplant can be used to treat conditions such as leukemia and lymphoma. There are several ways to obtain stem cells from the donor, whether it’s through the bone marrow, peripheral blood, or cord blood. One of the July healthcare monthly observances is to raise awareness for saving cord blood. Instead of discarding the umbilical cord and placenta after birth, you can donate it to a public bank or store it in a private family bank. Donating it to a public bank allows the cord blood to become available to any patient that’s in need of a transplant. Whereas the private family bank is only reserved for if, and when, a family member may need it. Oftentimes, finding a match can be difficult. Donating it to a public bank, rather than discarding the cord blood, can help save lives!
Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month
Contrary to popular belief, kids can have arthritis too. Juvenile Arthritis is an autoimmune disease that begins before the age of 16. Some symptoms of this condition can include:
- Stiff joints
- Joint pain
- Blurred vision
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
- Rash
Many people are unaware of this disease, but it affects approximately 300,000 children in the United States. Another one of the July healthcare monthly observances is to raise awareness and donate so doctors can continue their research in finding a cure.
National Cleft & Craniofacial Awareness & Prevention Month
In the United States, approximately 7,000 babies are born with an orofacial cleft every year. A cleft lip or palate is when the baby’s lip or palate remains split and did not fully develop prior to birth. Although the cause remains unknown, it is suspected that smoking in early pregnancy has an effect on the cleft. This birth defect can make it difficult for the child to eat and speak, as well as increase the likelihood of ear infections and misaligned teeth.
UV Safety Month
July is hot. Long summer days, high temperatures, and high UV indexes. Too much UV exposure can sometimes lead to skin cancers. Here are some tips to stay safe in the sun:
- Cover up with clothing
- Use sunscreen and use it properly– Always read the labels to ensure you are putting it on correctly and that it’s the right SPF for you
- Use SPF lip balm
- Wear a hat
- Wear sunglasses
We all want to get that summer glow and get some Vitamin D, but just be sure you are taking the right steps to ensure that you are protecting your skin!
National Youth Sports Week
On top of July healthcare monthly observances, we also observe healthcare weeks. From July 15 to July 21st, it is National Youth Sports Week. This is to promote living a healthy lifestyle and being active. Many people show their support by focusing on physical activity, living healthy, access, youth development, and safety, also known as P.L.A.Y.S.
July Healthcare Monthly Observances
Here at Prescription PR, we encourage you to show support for these July healthcare monthly observances.