Why World Day of Remembrance?

The World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims (WDR) is observed on the third Sunday of November each year by an increasing number of countries on every continent around the world. This day is dedicated to remembering the many millions killed or injured in road crashes and their families and communities, as well as to pay tribute to the dedicated emergency crews, police and medical professionals who daily deal with the traumatic aftermath of road death and injury.

Why is there a need for this day?

Road deaths and injuries are sudden, violent, traumatic events, the impact of which is long-lasting, often permanent. Each year, millions of newly injured and bereaved people from every corner of the world are added to the countless millions already suffering as the result of a road crash.

The burden of grief and distress experienced by this huge number of people is all the greater because many of the victims are young, because many of the crashes could and should have been prevented and because the response to road death and injury and to victims and families is often inadequate, unsympathetic, and inappropriate to the loss of life or quality of life.

This special Remembrance Day is intended to respond to the great need of road crash victims for public recognition of their loss and suffering (see Messages & Thoughts from victims).

November is National Epilepsy Awareness Month

November is National Epilepsy Awareness Month. Suffering from Epilepsy this is very important to me. Epilepsy affects about 2 million people in the United States and is characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures. Delayed recognition of these seizures and inadequate treatment increases the risk for additional seizures, disability, decreased health-related quality of life and, in rare instances, death.

Although epilepsy can occur at any age, the condition is more likely to begin among children less than 2 years of age and adults older than 65 years. As do many who live with other chronic disorders, those with epilepsy often face challenges related to managing epilepsy treatment, symptoms, disability, lifestyle limitations, emotional stress, and stigma.

About 1 out of 10 people will have a seizure. That means seizures are common, and one day you might need to help someone during or after a seizure. Learn what you can do to keep that person safe until the seizure stops by itself.

First aid for generalized tonic-clonic (grand mal) seizures

When most people think of a seizure, they think of a generalized tonic-clonic seizure, also called a grand mal seizure. In this type of seizure, the person may cry out, fall, shake or jerk, and become unaware of what’s going on around them.

Here are things you can do to help someone who is having this type of seizure:

Do I call 911?

Call 911 if any of these things happen.

• The seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes.
• The person has another seizure soon after the first one.
• The person is hurt during the seizure.
• The seizure happens in water.
• The person has a health condition like diabetes, heart disease, or is pregnant.

• Ease the person to the floor.
• Turn the person gently onto one side. This will help the person breathe.
• Clear the area around the person of anything hard or sharp. This can prevent injury.
• Put something soft and flat, like a folded jacket, under his or her head.
• Remove eyeglasses.
• Loosen ties or anything around the neck that may make it hard to breathe.
• Time the seizure. Call 911 if the seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes.

First aid for seizures involves keeping the person safe until the seizure stops by itself.

First aid for any type of seizure

There are many types of seizures. Most seizures end in a few minutes. These are general steps to help someone who is having any type seizure:

• Stay with the person until the seizure ends and he or she is fully awake. After it ends, help the person sit in a safe place. Once they are alert and able to communicate, tell them what happened in very simple terms.
• Comfort the person and speak calmly.
• Check to see if the person is wearing or a medical bracelet or other emergency information.
• Keep yourself and other people calm.
• Offer to call a taxi or another person to make sure the person gets home safely.

Men’s Health Month

June is Men’s Health Awareness Month

June is a month designated to raise awareness about cancers affecting men and encourage early detection and treatment of disease among men and boys.

The cancers that most frequently affect men are:

• prostate
• colon
• lung
• skin cancers

Knowing about these cancers and how they can be prevented or found early can save your life.

You Are Unique!!!!

Know the Warning Signs of Suicide Today

Know the Warning Signs of Suicide

How do you remember the Warning Signs of Suicide? Here’s an easy-to-remember mnemonic: IS PATH WARM? I  Ideation S  Substance Abuse P Purposelessness A  Anxiety T  Trapped H  Hopelessness W  Withdrawal A  Anger R  Recklessness M  Mood Changes A person in acute risk for suicidal behavior most often will show: Warning Signs of Acute Risk: Threatening to hurt or kill him or herself, or talking of wanting to hurt or kill him/herself; and or, Looking for ways to kill him/herself by seeking access to firearms, available pills, or other means; and/or, Talking or writing about death, dying or suicide, when these actions are out of the ordinary. These might be remembered as expressed or communicated ideation.  If observed, seek help as soon as possible by contacting a mental health professional or calling 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for a referral. Expanded Warning Signs: Increased substance (alcohol or drug) use No reason for living; no sense of purpose in life Anxiety, agitation, unable to sleep or sleeping all of the time Feeling trapped – like there’s no way out Hopelessness Withdrawal from friends, family and society Rage, uncontrolled anger, seeking revenge Acting reckless or engaging in risky activities, seemingly without thinking Dramatic mood changes If observed, seek help as soon as possible by contacting a mental health professional or calling 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for a referral. These warning signs were compiled by a task force of expert clinical-researchers and ‘translated’ for the general public.  The origin of IS PATH WARM? To learn more about youth suicide, risk factors, and how to help, click here.

Juvenile Arthritis Month

 

The form of arthritis that these kids experience is not the same as grandma’s aches and pains. These children suffer from an autoimmune form of arthritis. Their body’s immune system is attacking their joints, causing swelling, stiffness and permanent damage. This condition is extremely serious; if left untreated it can result in death.

That’s right, kids get arthritis. It is a common misconception that only “old” people are afflicted with arthritis. Nearly 300,000 children in America have been diagnosed with juvenile arthritis.

 

Helen Keller Deaf-Blind Awareness Week

Helen Keller Deaf-Blind Awareness Week

 Thirty years ago this month, President Ronald Reagan issued a presidential proclamation designating the last week of June as “Helen Keller Deaf-Blind Awareness Week.” Every year since, the Helen Keller National Center for Deaf-Blind Youths & Adults (HKNC) commemorates the week with a national advocacy campaign in recognition of the achievements and capabilities of people who are deaf-blind.

In 2014, Helen Keller Deaf-Blind Awareness Week is June 22 to June 28. This year’s theme, “SHE’S DEAF-BLIND AND, WITH TECHNOLOGY, SHE HOLDS THE WORLD IN HER HANDS…JUST LIKE HER LOVED ONES,” highlights the fact that, through technology, people who are deaf-blind can now access the world around them independently.

In an increasingly digital world, HKNC is working with deaf-blind individuals to stay connected to their friends, family, and peers through the National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program. This program ensures that qualified individuals with a combined hearing and vision loss can obtain accessible telecommunications devices at no cost and the necessary training to use them.

Men’s Health

Celebrate National Men’s Health Week, June 13-19, 2016.

Get Good Sleep

Adults need between 7-9 hours of sleep. Insufficient sleep is associated with a number of chronic diseases and conditions, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, and depression. Also, poor sleep is responsible for motor vehicle and machinery-related accidents.

• Are You Getting Enough Sleep?(https://www.cdc.gov/Features/Sleep)

Toss out the Tobacco

It’s never too late to quit(https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/quit_smoking/index.htm). Quitting smoking has immediate and long-term benefits. It improves your health and lowers your risk of heart disease, cancer, lung disease, and other smoking-related illnesses.
Also avoid secondhand smoke(https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/basic_information/secondhand_smoke/index.htm). Inhaling other people’s smoke causes health problems similar to those that smokers have. Babies and kids are still growing, so the poisons in secondhand smoke hurt them more than adults.

• Smokefree.gov
• Protecting Our Children from Secondhand Smoke(https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/basic_information/secondhand_smoke/protect_children/index.htm)
• Tips from Former Smokers(https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/campaign/tips)

Move More

Adults need at least 2½ hours(https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/everyone/guidelines/adults.html) of moderate-intensity aerobic activity every week, and muscle strengthening activities that work all major muscle groups (legs, hips, back, abdomen, chest, shoulders, and arms) on two or more days a week. You don’t have to do it all at once. Spread your activity out during the week, and break it into smaller amounts of time during the day.

• Physical Activity for Everyone(https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/everyone/guidelines/adults.html)
• Physical Activity and Disability(https://www.cdc.gov/features/physical-activity-disabilities/index.html)

Eat Healthy

Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables every day. Fruits and vegetables have many vitamins and minerals that may help protect you from chronic diseases. Limit foods and drinks high in calories, sugar, salt, fat, and alcohol.

• Nutrition for Everyone(https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/everyone/index.html)
• Fruits and Vegetables(https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/everyone/fruitsvegetables/index.html)
• Eat Less Salt – What You Can Do(https://www.cdc.gov/salt/what_you_can_do.htm)

Tame Stress

Sometimes stress can be good. However, it can be harmful when it is severe enough to make you feel overwhelmed and out of control. Take care of yourself. Avoid drugs and alcohol. Find support. Connect socially. Stay active.

• Managing Stress(https://www.cdc.gov/Features/HandlingStress)
• Excessive Alcohol Use and Risks to Men’s Health(https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/fact-sheets/mens-health.htm)

Stay on Top of Your Game

See your doctor or nurse for checkups. Certain diseases and conditions may not have symptoms, so checkups help identify issues early or before they can become a problem.

• Get the Preventive Medical Tests You Need
• Men: Stay Healthy at Any Age (AHRQ)

Pay attention to signs and symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, excessive thirst, and problems with urination. If you have these or symptoms of any kind, be sure to see your doctor or nurse. Don’t wait!

• Cancer and Men(https://www.cdc.gov/features/cancerandmen/index.html)
• HIV/AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Diseases(https://www.cdc.gov/std/hiv/default.htm)
• Heart Disease Signs and Symptoms(https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/signs_symptoms.htm)

Keep track of your numbers for blood pressure, blood glucose, cholesterol, body mass index (BMI), or any others you may have. If your numbers are high or low, your doctor or nurse can explain what they mean and suggest how you can get them to a healthier range. Be sure to ask him or her what tests you need and how often you need them.

• High Blood Pressure(https://www.cdc.gov/bloodpressure/diastolic_systolic.htm)
• Checking Your Blood Glucose
• Cholesterol(https://www.cdc.gov/cholesterol/index.htm)
• BMI(https://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/assessing/bmi)

Get vaccinated. Everyone needs immunizations to stay healthy, no matter how old you are. Even if you had vaccines as a child, immunity can fade with time. Vaccine recommendations are based on a variety of factors, including age, overall health, and your medical history.

• Vaccine Information for Adults(https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/adults/rec-vac/index.html)
• Adolescent and Adult Vaccine Quiz
• Vaccine Finder

Men’s Health

What You Don’t Know May Hurt You

Most men know by now that good lifestyle choices – such as exercising regularly, eating a healthy diet, not smoking and drinking in moderation – make a big difference in staying healthy. Men may too often ignore these sensible recommendations, but it’s not because they’re not aware of them.

What many don’t realize is that environmental exposures also contribute to major diseases and health concerns that primarily affect men. EWG’s researchers scoured the scientific literature and uncovered troubling data that may come as a surprise. There has been significant research in recent decades showing that chronic conditions such as heart disease, prostate cancer, infertility may be linked to everyday exposures to chemicals in water, consumer products and food.

Additionally, many men don’t know that they’re at a higher risk than women of developing skin cancer and dying from its most fatal form, melanoma. Read EWG’s advice on some of the alarming trends regarding skin cancer, and why men should engage in proper sun safety.

There’s not much you can do about your genetics, but there are lots of ways to reduce exposures to potentially harmful chemicals and other environmental risk factors, so why not follow some of EWG’s tips and increase your chances of living the healthiest and longest life possible?