daily, weekly & monthly health observances

Did you know that heart disease, cancer and stroke can be prevented through early detection? National Women’s Health Week, May 9 to 15, encourages women to make their health a priority. n National Women’s Check-Up Day, May 10, was created to encourage women to utilize their health resources, from regular check-ups to screenings for sexually transmitted diseases (S.T.D.s). Start a positive habit in your life, and encourage others to do the same: take this time to focus on your health. n For more information, visit www.4woman.gov/whw or call (800) 994-WOMAN (9662).

This year’s theme for Mental Health Month is “Mental Health Matters: In Your Life.” Consciously caring for your mental health is just as important as monitoring your physical health. Balance between these two is the essence of mental well-being. n According to the National Mental Health Association, this month has become instrumental in improving the health of millions of Americans. n For more information, visit www.nmha.org or call (800) 433-5959.

During Better Sleep Month, evaluate your sleep patterns and the quality of your sleep. Lack of sleep can affect your quality of life, and stress accounts for sleep loss in 66 percent of Americans, according to the Better Sleep Council’s Stress Survey. n The Council for Better Sleep offers some tips to get the most out of your rest: regular exercise; sleeping in a cool, quiet, dark room; and developing a sleep ritual are just some ways to ensure a restful night. n For more information, visit www.bettersleep.org.

Correct Posture Month was created by the American Chiropractic Association (A.C.A.) to keep Americans aware of the importance of good posture. n The A.C.A. offers some tips to avoid postural pain in the work place. Be sure there are two inches between the front edge of the seat and the back of your knees; keep your computer screen below eye level; and take frequent, short breaks to stretch your arms, hands and shoulders. n For more information, visit www.amerchiro.org.

The goal for National Senior Fitness Day, May 26, is to help keep older Americans healthy and fit. This day is celebrated by more than 150,000 people and 1,500 organizations in all 50 states. Communities will distribute health information and participate in fitness walks, low-impact exercises and health screenings. For more information, visit www.fitnessday.com.

Smokers around the world are asked to put down their cigarettes on May 31 and participate in World No Tobacco Day. According to The Coalition for World No Tobacco Day, 1.1 billion people smoke and 3.5 million die from tobacco-related illnesses each year. n To learn how you can be a part of this important day and even plan events for your community, call (212) 601-8245. For more information, visit www.wntd.com.