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.
breast cancer
Thanks SheSpeaks for teaming up and donating to a disease that affects a third of all women! Kudos!
National pregnancy and infant loss awareness
I would want the money to go to the Wounded Warrior Project. I know it wasn't mentioned here, but I think it's a worthwhile cause that deserves more attention.
I'm glad awareness is being brought to Domestic Violence. Too long women (and some men) have suffered.
hunger
A friend is a breast cancer survivor so awareness matters to me the most this October.
All of these causes and more matter to me this October and every month thereon. If I were to win I would choose Understood.org because I feel it is the most unrecognized disability in children, ADHD and dyslexia as well as other learning disabilities. I homeschool my boys and my oldest is showing signs of possible dyslexia and has a very hard time focusing on one given task, yet is too young to be tested for any learning disabilities even though he is in 1st grade.
I want everyone to realize they need to be kind to each other. You never know what someone is going through.
National Depression: it effects so many, but few like to talk about it/admit it to themselves.
Domestic violence because I've been there.
Domestic violence
I want people to be aware that it's my birthday on October 19th!
As a breast cancer survivor, I was a recipient of programs funded by organizations that got me back on track with my life, physically and emotionally. I want to give back in any way I can.
I am not looking forward to anything in October. To me it means cold , dark dreary.