May is World Stroke Month. Many health and heart organizations come together every May to raise awareness about the causes and effects of stroke.
One of their biggest campaigns is FAST, teaching the world to know the symptoms of stroke and how to respond quickly to help save a life.
Face – By asking the person to smile you can tell immediately if one side of the face droops.
Arm – Ask the person to raise both arms. Observe to see if one arm drifts lower than the other.
Speech – Slurred speech is a symptom of stroke. Ask the person to repeat a single sentence.
Time – Call 911-Fast. Time may be the difference between life and death or even partial and full recovery.
HISTORY
National Stroke Awareness Day was proclaimed in 1989 by President George H. W. Bush. It had been observed for many years before the proclamation. The Centers for Disease Control, the American Heart Association, World Stroke Campaign and many other have all participated in bringing education, research, and treatment on a global basis.
When it comes to flavor and health in one package, National Mediterranean Diet Month in May has us covered. From fresh herbs and vegetables to succulent seafood and wine, this cuisine satisfies.
One way to get the best out of a Mediterranean diet is to indulge in the whole grains, fresh fruits, and vegetables along with the healthy oils our bodies need. Olive and canola oils are rich in good cholesterol. Add fish and chicken to the menu and limit red meat to only a couple times a month and we’re well on our way to enjoying a Mediterranean lifestyle. Finish it off with a glass of red wine occasionally and plenty of exercise.
Oldways founded National Mediterranean Diet Month in 2008.
We actually combine Keto, Mediterranean and Carb Counted to get a healthy diet of flavors, and a lot of the dishes can be altered to this style of eating. It keeps things so flavorful you probably won’t even realize you’re on a diet….
Are you looking for a flavorful, easy to follow diet? The Mediterranean diet meets the guidelines for the food pyramid. Give it a try during May and you might find it a lifestyle changer. Use #MediterraneanDietMonth to share on social media.
National COPD Awareness Month dedicates all of November to educating the public about a disease that makes breathing difficult. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is any disorder that persistently bronchial obstructs airflow. During National COPD Awareness Month, learn about the causes and become an advocate for prevention.
One of the biggest causes of COPD is smoking. While it’s not the only cause, this lifestyle factor plays an overwhelming role in determining risk factors for COPD. If you care about your respiratory health and you smoke, take steps to quit smoking now. Other environmental factors that may point toward COPD include dust, chemical exposure and more.
Throughout the month, organizations will hold events providing opportunities for you to learn about COPD. Test your risk factors or find out how to rally support. While you’re learning, participate in activities that will test your knowledge and help you breathe a little easier. Hopefully, these events clear the air a bit and point the way toward a healthier lifestyle for your family or answer questions about COPD.
HISTORY
The American Lung Association created National COPD Awareness Month to focus on the growing concern related to pulmonary conditions such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis which fall under the category of COPD.
World Stroke Day, on October 29th, seeks to emphasize the serious nature and high rates of stroke. The day is also observed to raise awareness of the prevention and treatment of strokes.
According to previous statistics, one in six people were expected to have a stroke during their lifetime. Fifteen million people around the world have strokes each year. It’s also the leading cause of disability. A stroke may cause paralysis, sensory disturbances, aphasia, and emotional disturbances.
Over 6 million people die as a result of a stroke. Throughout the world, stroke is the second leading cause of death. Additionally, current statistics suggest that the number of people expected to have a stroke has increased. Now, one in four people is likely to have a stroke.
Knowing the early warning signs of stroke saves lives. Early symptoms of a stroke usually happen suddenly. These symptoms include:
Numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body
Confusion or trouble talking
Trouble seeing
Dizziness or trouble walking
Severe headache
If you or a loved one is having any of these symptoms, it’s important to act F.A.S.T.
F = Facial Weakness A = Arm Weakness S = Speech difficulty T = Time loss is brain loss. Call 911 when these symptoms are present. Don’t wait!
Early warning signs of a stroke may disappear after a few minutes. However, the symptoms may still indicate a transient ischemic attack (TIA). Even if symptoms disappear, it’s important to receive medical attention right away.
It’s important to know the symptoms of a stroke. Furthermore, it’s also important to know that strokes can be prevented. In fact, up to 90% of all strokes can be prevented by addressing certain risk factors. These risk factors include hypertension, diet, smoking, and exercise. Through an emphasis on prevention, the World Stroke Association hopes to cut the number of strokes in half by 2030.
WORLD STROKE DAY HISTORY
In the 1990s, the European Stroke Initiative had the idea to create a global awareness day for the strokes. Due to financial restrictions, the awareness day was limited to Europe only. The country celebrates its awareness day on May 10th. In 2004, a World Stroke Day was established at the World Stroke Congress in Vancouver.
In 2006, Canadian clinical neuroscientist, Dr. Vladimir Hachinkski helped to incorporate a World Stroke Proclamation. During that time, the International Stroke Society merged with the World Stroke Federation. The result of this merger was the World Stroke Organization (WSO). Under the management of the WSO, the first official World Stroke Day was held on October 29th, 2006.
On the third Wednesday in November, World COPD Day raises awareness for this preventable and treatable lung disease. It’s also a day to present new knowledge of this disease and provide hope for patients.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is one of the leading causes of death for Americans. It is also the third leading cause of death in the world. Those with COPD usually have either emphysema or chronic bronchitis. This long-term lung disease affects 16 million Americans. On a global scale, 65 million people have COPD. These numbers are probably not accurate, however. This is because many people don’t even realize they have COPD.
Symptoms of this disease include:
Chronic cough
Shortness of breath doing everyday activities
Frequent respiratory infections
Fatigue
Wheezing
Producing excessive amounts of mucus or phlegm
Some people also experience complications associated with COPD. Heart conditions, lung cancer, high blood pressure, and depression are common complications.
The primary cause of COPD is smoking cigarettes. Exposure to other contaminants can also lead to COPD. Some of these contaminants include mineral dust, welding fumes, exhaust fumes, smoke from fires, and chemical gases. Unfortunately, most of these kinds of contaminants are found in occupations, such as mining, farming, welding, construction, painting, and firefighting. Quitting smoking and limiting exposure to contaminants greatly reduces one’s chances of getting COPD.
There is no cure for COPD. However, there are treatment options that reduce symptoms and improve breathing. Some of the most common ways to treat COPD include inhalers, oxygen therapy, pulmonary rehabilitation, diaphragmatic breathing, and physical exercise.
WORLD COPD DAY HISTORY
The Global Initiative for Chronic Obstruction Lung Disease (GOLD) established World COPD Day in 2002.
On this day, organizers in 50 countries carry out activities and education events to spread awareness for COPD. These events include conferences with keynote speakers, webinars, and free lung function testing.
To participate:
If you have symptoms of COPD, make an appointment with your doctor.
Wear an orange ribbon for COPD awareness.
Test the capacity of your lungs with an online breath test.
Read about famous people with COPD, such as Christy Turlington, Dean Martin, Johnny Carson, Leonard Nimoy, and Pat Nixon.
Donate to an organization that funds research and education for COPD.
Encourage those with COPD to share their stories with others.
Help spread awareness for this day on social media with #WorldCOPDDay.
