daily, weekly & monthly health observances

Did you know that 45 million Americans suffer from headaches that can keep them from working or engaging in normal daily activities? According to the National Headache Foundation, headaches are responsible for monetary losses of $50 billion each year due to absenteeism and related treatment costs. n The theme of this year’s National Headache Awareness Week, June 1 to 7 is “take control of their headaches and take control of their lives.” n For more information, visit www.headaches.org or call (888) 643-5552.

National Cancer Survivor’s Day, June 6, lets people know that a cancer diagnosis is not tantamount to a death sentence. n This day was started 17 years ago by Richard Bloch, cancer survivor and founder of H&R Block. He also founded a nationwide cancer hotline, (800) 433-0464. n National Cancer Survivor’s Day remains the world’s largest and fastest-growing annual cancer survivor event. n For more information or to get a planning kit with information on how to host a cancer survivor rally of your own, visit www.ncsdf.org or call (615) 794-3006.

National Men’s Health Week, June 14 to 20, encourages men to take more time out of their schedules and dedicate it to their health. Jen Bonhomme, M.D., M.P.H. and board of director’s member of the National Men’s Health Network, cites lack of awareness, poor health education and culturally induced behavior patterns as primary culprits in the growing crisis in men’s health. n For more information, e-mail info@menshealthnetwork.org or call (202) 543-6461, ext.101.

Sparklers, a Fourth of July staple, can heat up to 1800° F, a temperature hot enough to melt gold. Fireworks Safety Month was created to raise awareness of the dangers of fireworks. n The U.S. Eye Injury Registry also has found that bystanders are injured more often than fireworks operators themselves, and many of the injuries are eye-related. Make sure your celebrations are safe by keeping fireworks out of the hands of children and being aware of the dangers of these products. n For more information, visit www.preventblindness.org or call (800) 331-2020.

Treat your dad to some healthy Father’s Day activities on June 20. n Whether it’s a walk around Town Lake, preparing a meal that’s delicious and nutritious or spending quality time with friends and family, Dad will appreciate the thought. n For some fun ideas, visit www.foodfit.com/cooking/fathersday
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Blind - Deaf Awareness Week, June 27 to July 3, begins on the anniversary of Helen Keller’s birth. Congenital Rubella Syndrome (C.R.S.) is the focus this year, as this marks the 40th anniversary of the rubella epidemic that began in the early 1960s. n The Helen Keller National Center, the organization responsible for this observance, celebrates the achievements of those born deaf and blind due to C.R.S. n For more information, call (516) 944-8900 or visit www.hknc.org.