Special Populations' Student Health Concerns Committee
Weekly Health Awareness Topics
Learn more about our past, current, and future awareness Topics! Click on the links below to see the full post on our Instagram and Facebook pages!
December 2022
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December 1st is World AIDS Day. World AIDS day was created to promote solidarity for people around the world who are affected by HIV. AIDS continues to remain a public health challenge, so it is important to continue to share experiences, reduce stigmas, and educate everyone about the severe consequences of AIDS. Over 32 million people have been diagnosed with AIDS so it is important to understand the causes and how to see prevention and early treatment to stop the spread of HIV which will later develop into AIDS.
Visit this link to learn more about the effects of HIV/AIDS and how it can be treated!
November 2022
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U.S. Antibiotic Awareness Week (November 18th-24th) is a collective effort by organizations to raise awareness on safe antibiotic use and antimicrobial resistance. The CDC's educational initiative, #BeAntibioticsAware, pairs alongside U.S. Antibiotic Awareness Week by providing partners with key information on appropriate antibiotic use and prescribing across the United States. Do your part in taking care of yourself and your loved ones' by staying educated and spreading awareness of safe antibiotic use.
Visit this link to learn more about Antibiotic Awareness and antimicrobial resistance!
November is National Alzheimer's Awareness Month, making it an important time to spread awareness about this disease that affects nearly 5.8 million Americans. Alzheimer's is the leading cause of dementia, a progressive neurological disorder that causes the brain to shrink, causing memory loss, a reduction of function, personality changes, and difficulty thinking and reasoning. Several risk factors include old age (typically 65 years or older), a family history of the disease, head trauma, and poor sleep. However, regular exercise, eating a healthy diet, following treatment plans from your doctor, and being aware of your family history are all preventive measures that you can take to reduce your risk of Alzheimer’s.
Visit this link to learn more about the prevalence of Alzheimer's and the specific symptoms!
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November is national lung cancer awareness month. The number one cause of lung cancer is smoking, accounting for 80-90% of deaths. Quitting and reducing your exposure to second hand smoke is your best chance of prevention. Non-small cell lung cancer can be detected through routine screening, and confirmed through a biopsy. It progresses in 6 different stages(0,1,2,3a,3b,3c)
Visit this link to learn more about Lung Cancer Awareness Month and key tips for prevention!
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COPD typically has a clear cause and a clear path of prevention. Most cases are directly related to cigarette smoking, and the best way to prevent COPD is to never smoke — or to stop smoking now! Visit our website by scanning the QR code for more information.
Visit this link to learn more about the effects of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary disease!
October 2022
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Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease where an individuals immune system attacks its own healthy tissue cells causing an array of symptoms with no cure. These symptoms can be debilitating and impact a persons daily living. However, through proper diagnosis and personalized treatment plan with a rheumatologist symptoms can be managed.
Visit this link to learn more about Lupus and ways to prevent and end Lupus!
October is the official National Healthy Lung Month, with Lung Health Day being celebrated on the fourth Wednesday of the month. It was created by the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) in 2003. The main aim of the day is to raise awareness about the growing number of chronic lung diseases. Each year millions of people succumb to some form of lung disease, from asthma to pneumonia. Avoiding fragrant-rich cleaning agents and keeping plants in your home can help purify the air you and your family are breathing. Purifying the air in living and workspaces, and breathing in air in natural, open spaces are also good ways of protecting the lungs.
Visit this link to learn more about how lung health can affect you and how to keep your lungs healthy!
Down Syndrome is a condition that affects more than 400,000 Americans and millions of people worldwide. It causes cognitive disabilities ranging from delayed speech and language development, slowed learning, a short attention span, and poor judgment. It also displays physical symptoms, including excessive skin on the back of the neck, a flattened facial profile, a small head, ears, or mouth, and decreased muscle tone. Down Syndrome is caused by an extra copy or part of a copy of Chromosome 21, which causes these symptoms to occur.
Visit this link to learn more about Down Syndrome awareness and common symptoms!
World Osteoporosis day is a day dedicated to raising awareness of osteoporosis prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Osteoporosis affects over 200 million people in the world. Osteoporosis is a disease in which the density and strength of the bone are reduced. Over time as we age the bones become brittle and weak due to the inability to create new bones after old bone removal.. The importance of the day is to prioritize better bone health and promote resources for how to maintain healthy bones!
Visit this link to learn more about the effects of Osteoporosis and ways you can practice prevention to keep your bones strong!
World Mental Health day is an international day for mental health education, awareness, and advocacy against social stigmas. The objective is to be able to mobilize efforts in supporting mental health considering that mental health is a large component of our daily lives. Mental health and wellbeing need to become a global priority to improve the understanding of mental health conditions and increase access to healthcare for those who need it.
Visit this link to learn more about World Mental Health Day and the different stigmas surrounding mental health and how to advocate against them!
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October 2nd-October 8th is considered mental illness awareness week. Millions of Americans Each year suffer from mental illnesses so the first week of October is focused on raising awareness of mental illnesses, fighting discrimination, and providing support. Mental health conditions are important to discuss year-round but highlighting them during this week provides a dedicated time for mental health advocates across the country to come together as one unified voice.
Visit this link to learn more about the causes of mental illnesses and different ways to prevent mental illness from happening!
September 2022
September is Blood Cancer Awareness Month. When cancer occurs in the blood, it’s usually the result of an abnormal and excessive reproduction of white blood cells. Blood cancers account for about 10 percent of all diagnosed cancers in the U.S. each year. Blood cancers (including leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma) are the most common types of blood cancer.
Visit this link to learn more about the different types of blood cancers and how there is a variety of treatments and symptoms relative to each!
September is National Food Safety Education Month, and it's a great time to focus on key illness prevention steps considering that an estimated 1 in 6 Americans get food-borne illnesses every year. It is also estimated that over 128,000 people are hospitalized in relation to the symptoms of food-borne illnesses that can be severe in some individuals. There are over 250 identified foodborne germs that can survive long periods of time in spaces commonly used for cooking, eating, and cleaning. There are many ways to protect yourself and others from getting sick and stop the persistence of cross-contamination as you clean and cook.
Visit this link to learn more about Foodborne germs and illnesses and how to protect yourself in your home!
Celiac Disease Awareness Day is on 9/13 and helps to promote awareness for Celiac Disease, a chronic condition that causes a person to be unable to properly digest glucose. Celiac Disease affects about 1 in every 100 people worldwide, yet only about 30% of those people are properly diagnosed. People with Celiac Disease have to follow a strict gluten free diet, since their immune system will attack their intestines if they were to ingest gluten. Celiac Disease can lead to other long-term conditions, such as lactose intolerance, iron deficiency anemia, and vitamin and mineral deficiency, to name some prevalent long-term effects.
Visit this link to learn more about Celiac disease and alternatives to consuming gluten in order to avoid symptoms and the progression of the disease.
Psychotherapy is a way for individuals to speak about their mental illnesses with a professional. People may discuss their emotional difficulties. Psychotherapy treatment can help a person cope with their troubling symptoms in order to function better. Psychotherapy can provide treatment for difficulty in coping with daily life, the impact of trauma, medical illness or loss, and specific mental disorders like depression and anxiety.
Visit this link to learn more about the elements of Psychotherapies and understanding effective approaches and considerations when looking for therapists!
September is National Leukemia and Lymphoma Awareness Month. Leukemia and Lymphoma are both highly aggressive but curable cancers that affect the blood, bone marrow, and lymph nodes and makeup 10% of all cancer diagnoses. This month helps raise awareness for efforts to fight off these types of blood cancers considering they affect over 1.3 million Americans. It also serves as a way to enhance the general knowledge of cancer and know the warning signs that persist in order to seek proper treatment.
Visit this link to learn more about the differences between Leukemia and Lymphoma and the treatments used to combat these aggressive cancer's
September is National Sickle Cell Awareness month which was created to help focus attention on the need for research, and treatment of sickle cell disease. Improving the outcomes and preserving the quality of life for those with Sickle Cell disease is imperative considering that it is one of the most common inherited blood disorders. Sickle Cell Disease can affect anyone as there are over 100,000 people affected each year but there is a high prevalence rate among people who are of African American descent.
Visit this link to learn more about the causes and detection of Sickle disease, as well as common symptoms and the effective forms of treatment!
August 2022
While 90% of adults support organ donation, there are currently only 60% registered as organ donors. A guideline for registration includes being over the age of 18. These individuals can choose what they wish to donate and can change their donor status at any time. Depending on the state, individuals under the age of 18 can also register, but their families have the final say in donation if the situation arises. Help diversify the donor registry and sign up to be an organ donor at RegisterMe.org.
Visit this link to learn more about specific resources and campaigns related to helping spread awareness about National Minority Donor Awareness!
Psoriasis is a long-term chronic skin disease that can cause a rash with itchy, scaly patches. There are many different types of Psoriasis that vary in signs and symptoms. There is unfortunately no cure, and it can be painful and interfere with daily activities because of the cycles of flaring. Psoriasis can also be triggered by genetics predispositions along with infections, cuts and burns, and medications. There are only treatments available that can help manage and relieve the symptoms. The treatments for Psoriasis can provide coping strategies when dealing with the disease.
Visit this link to learn more about the symptoms and causes of Psoriasis in order to gain awareness and ways to seek diagnosis and treatment!
August is National Immunization Awareness Month. This month is dedicated to highlighting the importance of vaccination for people of all ages. Check out this post to learn more!
Visit this link to learn more about why vaccines are important and how you can protect yourself and loved ones from disease!
Breastfeeding is one of the most effective ways to ensure child health and survival. World Breastfeeding Week, August 1-7, is an annual celebration and awareness campaign highlighting and recognizing the benefits of breastfeeding in communities across the globe. Check out this post to learn more about this annual celebration!
Visit this link to learn more about the breastfeeding health benefits for both the baby and the mom!
July 2022
Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver. The liver is a vital organ that processes nutrients, filters the blood, and fights infections. When the liver is inflamed or damaged, its function can be affected. Heavy alcohol use, toxins, some medications, and certain medical conditions can cause hepatitis. However, hepatitis is often caused by a virus. Although there are effective vaccines available for Hepatitis A and B, there are 24,900 and 22,600 new infections each year in the U.S. for Hepatitis A and B respectively. About 50% of people with hepatitis C do not know they are infected, and it is a leading cause of liver transplants and liver cancer.
Visit this link to learn more about key facts Viral Hepatitis and the best forms of treatment and testing!
July is Ultraviolet Safety Month. The mission is to spread awareness of how important it is to protect our eyes and skin from harmful Ultraviolet (UV) rays. UV rays are an invisible kind of radiation that comes from the sun, tanning beds, and sunlamps. UV rays can penetrate and change skin cells. There are many factors that can affect the strength of the sun's UV rays including the time of day which reaches its strongest point between 10:00am & 4:00pm, and the season of the year which is the strongest during the spring and summer months.
Visit this link to learn more about the American Cancer Society and their facts and guidelines on protecting yourself from UV Radiation!.
July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. This month is dedicated to bringing awareness to the unique inequities experienced by minority racial and ethnicity groups concerning mental health. Read to find out more about some of these mental health struggles.
Visit this link to learn more about Mental Health Disparities within African Americans and how to combat the barriers to care
Of those who have experienced eye injuries, 78% were not wearing protective eyewear at the time of injury. To learn more about the different types of safety glasses and eyewear you can use.
Visit this link to learn about at home and outdoor safety glasses and protective eyewear!
June 2022
June is National Aphasia Awareness month. Aphasia is known to be a language disorder that affects a person's ability to communicate, express, and understand written and spoken language. Over two million Americans have aphasia but over 84.5% are unaware that they have it. Spreading awareness on Aphasia will create better communication experiences for people living with Aphasia.
Visit this link to learn more about the causes of Aphasia and how to find treatment
Over 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease and 15 million are acting as their caregivers. Join the Alzheimer’s Association to support research and bring awareness to the topic through fundraising activities
Visit this link to learn more or to register for an event
June is Men’s mental health month. This month is dedicated to raising awareness on men’s health and encouraging boys to practice healthy living decisions in order to foster healthy lifestyles starting during childhood. You can show your support for men’s health by wearing blue on June 17th and read more to learn about this national observance.
#ShowUsYourBlue
Many people depend on blood donation for their life-saving procedures. Even if you are not able to donate, spread the word on how a donation can save a life!
Visit this link to find out if you are eligible to donate blood
This link gives more information regarding a blood center location in Champaign!
Feburary 2022
February 11th
Relationship Wellness
February 16th
Cancer Prevention
February 18th
July 2021
Staying Safe During July 4th
July 2nd
BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month
July 14th
Social Wellness Toolkit
July 7th
Everybody Deserves a Massage Week
July 14th - July 21st
Herbal/Prescription Interaction Awareness
July 9th
June 2021
Huntington's Awareness Day
June 6th
LGBTQ+ Online Therapy Resources
June 16th
Pride Month: LGBTQ+ Health
June 22nd
PTSD Awareness Day
June 27th