Diabetes Awareness Month
November is Diabetes Awareness Month. Every year the American Diabetes Association focuses on a campaign to educate Americans about diabetes. This year in 2022, the ADA’s campaign is “Diabetes Hits Different”.
Breast Cancer Awareness
Happy October. This month we are spreading awareness on breast cancer. Breast cancer can start in different parts of the breast, but it is important to remember that most breast lumps are benign and not cancerous. Any breast lumps should be evaluated by a healthcare professional as it may affect one’s future cancer risk.
Breast Cancer Risk Factors you CAN’T Change:
- Inheriting BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes
- These are the most common mutated copy of breast cancer genes that increases one’s risk of having breast cancer.
- Family History of breast cancer
- Those who have a first-degree relative with BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation.
- Chest Radiation at a younger age
- Younger women (ages 10-30) treated with radiation therapy for other cancer can increase the risk for breast cancer.
The American Cancer Society Guidelines for women at average risk for breast cancer:
|
Women’s Age |
Frequency |
|
Ages 40-44 |
Screening mammogram yearly |
|
Ages 45-54 |
Mammograms yearly |
|
Ages 55 and Older |
Mammogram every other year |
The American Cancer Society Guidelines for women at HIGH risk for breast cancer:
Women with high risk factors listed above are recommended to get a breast MRI and a mammogram starting at age 30.
If you have any concerns or are due for screening please contact us at 301-593-9800.
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Chronic Pain
During the month of September, we want to bring awareness to chronic pain. Nearly 20 million Americans experience chronic pain. Chronic pain affects more Americans than diabetes, heart disease and cancer combined.
August is National Immunization Awareness Month
In August we are observing National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM). After the past two years, we are all too familiar with vaccinations. We would like to highlight the importance of getting the recommended vaccines including the COVID-19 booster.
July
Healthy People 2030 is focusing on preventing and treating infectious diseases. Therefore, it is imperative that children and at-risk adults get recommended vaccinations to prevent infections such as measles, flu, and hepatitis A and B.
June is Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month
Alzehimer’s is the 6th leading cause of death in the United States. More than 55 million people in the world live with Alzheimer’s or dementia.
Mental Health Awareness Month
Since the pandemic, we have all gone through a great amount of changes including: disrupted schedules, lack of interactions, and losing loved ones which has affected the mental health of millions.