Join Preserve Our Legacy as we recognize the following health awareness causes during the month of June.
National Scleroderma Awareness Month
Scleroderma is a largely unknown autoimmune disease involving the hardening and tightening of the skin and connective tissues. There is no known cause and no cure. “Sclero” means “hard” and “derma” means “skin”. Symptoms include stiff joints, digestive issues, lung scarring, and kidney failure and can sometimes be fatal. SOURCE: Scleroderma Foundation
Aphasia is a disorder caused by damage to the parts of the brain that control language. It can make it hard to read, write, and speak what is meant to be said. It is most common in adults who have had a stroke. Brain tumors, infections, injuries, and dementia can also cause it. The type and severity of the disorder depends on which part of of the brain is damaged and how much damage there is. SOURCE: U.S. National Library of Medicine From the National Institutes of Health National Institutes of Health
Migraine and Headache Awareness Month
47% of the adult population experience headache annually. Over 37 million people in the U.S. are diagnosed with migraine. Almost 3.2 million Americans are missing work or school, are not able to perform daily chores, or cannot attend family or social activities because of chronic migraine. According to the National Headache Foundation these disorders are poorly recognized and inadequately treated. SOURCE: National Headache Foundation
According to the National Institute of Health Myasthenia gravis is a chronic autoimmune neuromuscular disease characterized by varying degrees of weakness of the skeletal (voluntary) muscles of the body. The name myasthenia gravis, which is Latin and Greek in origin, literally means "grave muscle weakness." With current therapies, however, most cases of myasthenia gravis are not as "grave" as the name implies. In fact, most individuals with myasthenia gravis have a normal life expectancy.
The hallmark of myasthenia gravis is muscle weakness that increases during periods of activity and improves after periods of rest. Certain muscles such as those that control eye and eyelid movement, facial expression, chewing, talking, and swallowing are often, but not always, involved in the disorder. The muscles that control breathing and neck and limb movements may also be affected. SOURCE: Muscular Dystrophy Association National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
National Men’s Health Week June 9 – 15 (ending with Father’s Day)
The purpose of Men’s Health Week is to heighten the awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of disease among men and boys. This week gives health care providers, public policy makers, the media, and individuals an opportunity to encourage men and boys to seek regular medical advice and early treatment for disease and injury. The response has been overwhelming with hundreds of awareness activities in the USA and around the globe. SOURCE: Men’s Health Network
World Blood Donor Day (June 14)
The focus of this year's World Blood Donor Day campaign is "Safe blood for saving mothers". Every day, about 800 women die from pregnancy or childbirth-related complications. Severe bleeding during delivery and after childbirth is a major cause of mortality, morbidity and long-term disability. The goal of the campaign is to increase awareness about why timely access to safe blood and blood products is essential for all countries as part of a comprehensive approach to prevent maternal deaths. SOURCE: (WHO) World Health Organization
National HIV Testing Day (June 27)
National HIV Testing Day (NHTD) is an annual campaign to encourage people of all ages to "Take the Test, Take Control."
Too many people don't know they have HIV. In the United States, nearly 1.1 million people are living with HIV, and almost one in five don't know they are infected. Getting tested is the first step to finding out if you have HIV. If you have HIV, getting medical care and taking medicines regularly helps you live a longer, healthier life and also lowers the chances of passing HIV on to others. SOURCE:- U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
