A sampling of observances in May
The month of May has many observances related to health, health care and more. Here are some ideas for how you can celebrate:
Preeclampsia Awareness Month
Preeclampsia is a serious and life-threatening condition women can develop during pregnancy or postpartum, and is often characterized by dangerously high blood pressure. It’s also one of the leading causes of pregnancy-related deaths. Here is Maddie’s story about how preeclampsia broke her heart, but saved her life. (Sensitive content warning: pregnancy loss)
Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month
What is cystic fibrosis (CF)? In short, it’s a rare, inherited disease that affects the lungs and other body systems with no cure. While treatments are available, treatment is often extensive, involving routine clinical visits and a daily at-home treatment regimen. Here is one family’s double battle with CF as siblings, Aria and Jack, both inherited the disease.
May 6: Melanoma Monday
Do you know the ABCDEs of detecting melanoma and other forms of skin cancer? If you don’t, you should. Skin cancer survivor, Beth Thompson, explains why here.
May 7: Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day
We all want our kids to be happy, healthy children who grow up into happy and healthy adults. Achieving this means supporting their mental health and well-being as they grow from toddlers to teenagers. Learn to do just that by tuning in to this episode of our Children’s Hospital’s podcast, Because They’re Kids.
May 21: Eat More Fruits and Vegetables Day
Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can have significant health benefits like preventing some types of cancer. Learn how you can incorporate fruits, vegetables, and other good-for-you ingredients into your daily life by signing up for this healthy cooking demonstration on June 8.
May 24: Don’t Fry Day
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer diagnosed each year. It’s also one of the most preventable. Here’s what you can do to protect your skin and reduce your risk for skin cancer.