|
Take Note
daily, weekly & monthly
health observances
by Kelley Sullivan
|
Give Kids A Smile Day, Feb. 4, is an opportunity for dentists to provide free oral health care to low-income children across the country. n Services may include tooth-brushing demonstrations or more intensive services. n This day also exhibits the necessity of access to dental care for underprivileged children to policymakers. For more information, visit www.ada.org.
The American Heart Association claims heart disease and stroke are the No. 1 and No. 3 killers of women over the age of 25. Heart attack, stroke and cardiovascular diseases kill more than 500,000 women each year. During American Heart Month, women are urged to make their cardiovascular health a priority through knowledge and positive lifestyle changes. n In conjunction with American Heart Month, Feb. 6 is national wear red day for women to show support of women battling these illnesses and to raise awareness. For more information, visit org">www.americanheart.org.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (N.H.T.S.A.), traffic-related fatalities continue to be the leading cause of death in children ages 6 through 15. National Child Passenger Safety Week, Feb. 8 to 14, asks you to take time to consider the safety of children passengers not only this week but throughout the year. n The N.H.T.S.A. also emphasizes the importance of bicycle helmets, booster seats, motorcycle helmets, pedestrian and school bus safety. n For more information, www.nhtsa.dot.gov.
According to the American Heart Association, an estimated 40,000 babies are born with congenital heart defects (C.H.D.) in the United States every year. Approximately one million American children and adults with C.H.D. and childhood onset heart disease are alive today. n Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Day, Feb. 14, is dedicated to raising awareness about this condition. n For more information, visit www.tchin.org or contact Monica Barmash at (215) 493-3068.
National Girls and Women in Sports Month was started to honor Flo Hyman, an Olympic volleyball champion who faced an untimely death in 1986. n This day celebrates the participation of women and girls in athletics. Nationwide festivities commemorating this occasion include: meetings with women’s sports leaders and state legislators, as well as dinners recognizing the achievements of athletes, coaches and other women sports luminaries. n For more information, visit www.womenssportsfoundation.org.
The National Eating Disorders Association sponsors National Eating Disorders Awareness Week, Feb. 22 to 29, each year to increase public awareness of eating disorders and to inspire positive body images and healthy eating in the community. n This year’s theme is “Get Real.” The focus is on the importance of “real expectations, real role models, real information and real help.” n For more information on how to be a coordinator for this week or how to get involved visit www.nationaleatingdisorders.org.
|
