National Hispanic Heritage Month, whose roots go back to 1968, begins each year on September 15, the anniversary of independence of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Mexico, Chile and Belize also celebrate their independence days during this period and Columbus Day (Día de la Raza) is October 12.…

Eye Injury Prevention Month is observed in October and sponsored by the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Nearly 2.5 million people suffer eye injuries each year in the United States, and nearly one million people have lost some degree of vision as a result. Most could have been prevented with protective eyewear. Eye Injury Prevention Month and the…

Health Literacy Month, observed in October and sponsored by Health Literacy Consulting, is a time for organizations and individuals to promote the importance of understandable health information. Health Literacy Month events include health care organizations, community services, health literacy coalitions, government agencies, literacy programs, universities, and many others. These events encourage how-to workshops for professionals, wellness…

Home Eye Safety Month, observed in October and sponsored by Prevent Blindness, encourages people to take necessary safety measures to reduce the risk of eye injury. Home Eye Safety Month calls attention to the fact that nearly fifty percent of the annual 2.5 million eye injuries occur at home. That number is more injuries than occur…

International Walk to School Month is celebrated in October. The key themes that are promoted during IWALK include: increasing daily physical activity, improving safety, enhancing the environment, reducing levels of crime, developing community cohesion, promoting social interaction, and reducing traffic congestion, pollution and speed near schools. International Walk to School Month is an annual global event that…

National ADHD Awareness Month is observed in October. ADHD Awareness Month helps raise awareness of ADHD for parents, teachers, students, adults, and professionals working with those with ADHD. With increased awareness, more people can get the help they need to live better, more rewarding lives. National ADHD Awareness Month is celebrated every October. With events and activities…

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month is observed in October and sponsored by the American Cancer Society. Breast cancer is the second most common kind of cancer in women. About one in eight women born today in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some point in her lifetime. Raise awareness during the month…

National Bullying Prevention Month, observed every October, encourages schools and organizations across the country to join STOMP Out Bullying™. More than one in five students reports being bullied at school each year. From name calling, being made fun of, threatened or physically harmed, adolescents who are picked on by bullies find that it can be…

National Chiropractic Health Month is observed in October. The goal of this awareness day is sharing back injury prevention and strengthening tips as well as information on the value of a conservative approach to back pain treatment. National Chiropractic Health Month focuses on back health “basics," the importance of overall health and injury prevention as key strategies…

National Cyber Security Awareness Month is observed in October and sponsored by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Observed each October, NCSAM is an opportunity to raise awareness about the growing importance of cybersecurity and equip the American public with tools and resources to protect themselves online. National Cyber Security Awareness Month reminds us that, from connecting…

National Dental Hygiene Month is observed in October and sponsored by the American Dental Hygienists' Association. National Dental Hygiene Month celebrates that good oral health goes a long way in supporting overall well-being. Brushing your teeth, gums, and tongue daily, paired with visiting a dental provider regularly, can greatly reduce your risk of issues such as tooth…

National Down Syndrome Awareness Month, observed in October and sponsored by the National Down Syndrome Society, is a chance to spread awareness about Down Syndrome. During the month of October, we celebrate people with Down Syndrome and make others aware of their abilities and accomplishments. It’s not about celebrating disabilities, it’s about celebrating abilities! National…

National Liver Cancer Awareness Month is observed in the month of October. The liver is one of the largest organs in the body. It filters harmful substances from the blood, produces bile that helps in the digestion of fats, and stores sugar that the body uses for energy. National Liver Cancer Awareness Month calls attention to the…

National Medical Librarians Month is observed in October and sponsored by the Medical Library Association. Medicine is an information-intensive discipline. National Medical Librarians Month emphasizes the important role of health information professionals. These individuals provide accurate, timely, and trustworthy information to patients, researchers and healthcare providers. #personalizedcause

National Niemann-Pick Disease Awareness Month takes place in October. Niemann-Pick Disease is classified as a rare disease. Treatment for Niemann-Pick Disease is improving but there is still much to do before definitive therapies are available. Just a few years ago, the cause of Niemann-Pick Disease was unknown. Now the genetic sources of the disease have been…

National Physical Therapy Month is observed during October and sponsored by the American Physical Therapy Association. Physical therapy can help improve someone’s daily abilities and activities for those who have medical and health-related problems. National Physical Therapy Month highlights that physical therapists can assist in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of health problems associated with bones, joints,…

Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, observed in October, is a month of remembrance for pregnancy loss and infant death, which includes, but is not limited to, miscarriage, stillbirth, SIDS, and the death of a newborn. Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month is, in addition to Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, observed on October 15…

Rett Syndrome Awareness Month, observed in October, is a time to increase awareness of Rett Syndrome, promote the need for a cure, and spur advocacy on behalf of those suffering with the emotional, financial and physical burden of Rett Syndrome. Rett Syndrome is a serious lifelong neurological disorder that is caused by random mutations in…

Selective Mutism Awareness Month is observed in October. The objective of Selective Mutism Awareness Month is to increase public awareness of selective mutism, to promote greater understanding of this disorder through education and support of research, and to provide support to professionals, affected individuals, and their families. Selective Mutism is a complex childhood anxiety disorder characterized…

Spina Bifida Awareness Month is observed in October. Spina Bifida is the most common permanently disabling birth defect in the United States. Every day in the United States, eight babies are born with Spina Bifida or a similar birth defect that affects the brain and spine, according to the Spina Bifida Association. Spina Bifida Awareness Month educates…

Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month, observed in October and sponsored by the Heart Rhythm Society, represents a critical initiative to raise awareness for Sudden Cardiac Arrest and helps the public become more familiar with what it is, how it affects people, and what can be done to help save lives. Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month emphasizes…

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Awareness Month is observed in October and sponsored by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. October is a time to take a fresh look at how we can educate parents and caregivers on reducing the risk of SIDS. According to the Center for Disease Control…