There are certain month-long events that get a lot of people talking. February is both National Heart Month and Black History Month. March is Women's History Month. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Turns out, Breast Cancer Awareness is not the only topic we should be mindful of in October. Take a minute to find out about many important issues - and why they really matter.
A woman born today has about a 1 in 8 chance of being diagnosed with breast cancer at some time during her life, according to the Dr. Susan Love Foundation. But 40% of those cases can be prevented by lifestyle measures such as maintaining a healthy weight, breastfeeding, eating well, exercising, and limiting alcohol consumption. Plus, early detection increases survival rates, so it's important to consult with your doctor about your family history, changes in your breasts and getting mammograms, as needed.
1 in 5 kids struggle with ADHD, learning disabilities and/or dyslexia, according to Understood.org. And because not everyone understands these challenges, they sometimes get ignored or are misinterpreted as a child misbehaving or being lazy. We highly recommend checking out the Through Your Child's Eyes simulation where you can learn firsthand what kids with these issues experience every day. It's also important to note that many adults also struggle with ADHD, Learning Disabilities and Dyslexia, and if they never got help, it's much more difficult to handle later in life.
10 million people per year (20 per second) are physically abused by an intimate partner in the United States, according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV). That equates to 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men who have experienced some form of physical violence by an intimate partner. Domestic violence affects individuals in every community regardless of age, economic status, sexual orientation, gender, race, religion, or nationality. For more information on understanding this epidemic, as well as things you can do to help, visit the NCADV website.
Tens of thousands of families experience a miscarriage, stillbirth or death of an infant. According to the Star Legacy Foundation, "Promoting awareness of pregnancy and infant loss not only increases the likelihood that grieving families will receive understanding and support, but also results in improved education and prevention efforts which may ultimately reduce the incidence of these tragedies."
Approximately 6,000 babies with Down Syndrome are born in the United States each year, according to the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS). Most people with Down Syndrome have a mild to moderate cognitive disability or intellectual disability but there are many misconceptions that should be corrected. Check out this page on the NDSS website to find out more.
From these topics, the one that matters to me the most is National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness. I am a mother so this topic is personal even if I haven't experienced this loss.
Alzheimers awareness
I would want it to go to a local animal charity.
Breast cancer early detection/awareness matters to me!
check yourself every mont. it is so important to catch anything super super early. put a reminder on your phone and you can always check in the shower if you don't want anyone to see you.
National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month... nobody thinks about this much until they are directly affected by it. It's life altering and so tough, yet many people suffer in silence.
If I win I would choose either breast cancer awareness or domestic violence awareness because those are two things near and dear to my heart. So difficult to pick just one. They've both impacted my life in unimaginable ways.
Learning Disabilities
I am concerned about birth defects, particularly cleft palate. I would want my charity to be Operation Smile.
Breast Cancer Awareness
Star Legacy Foundation
Breast cancer awareness
Breast cancer, Bullying and Animal Welfare
National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month- I actually had a miscarriage during the month of october, many years ago- it still hurts.
My choice would be NDSS. Better education for the parents. Also, insurance that covers a professionally trained caretakers so parents can know the child is safe when they are apart.