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| Photo: Getty Images/Neo Vision |
June
Health Calendar
By Carrie Barnes and Carlos J. Queirós
National Cancer Survivors' Day It’s nearly impossible to find someone who has not been affected by cancer on some level. On June 3, consider attending an event in your area that proves that “life after a cancer diagnosis can be a reality.”
National Headache Awareness Week (June 3-9) Educate yourself. Headaches are one of the most common physical ailments, accounting for about 10 million visits to doctors’ offices each year. Yet the exact causes of the pain remain largely a mystery. The International Headache Society has recognized 150 different kinds of headaches, usually brought on by stress, worry, or lack of sleep, but also hangovers, ice cream, and even sex. While many of the more common headaches are the result of specific actions and only cause temporary discomfort, others can be symptoms of more serious illnesses. New research and improved technology are bringing us closer to understanding exactly where pain starts so that migraines and cluster headaches can eventually be prevented before they begin. Until then, new and better prescription drugs and pain relievers as well as nutrition, exercise, and other alternative remedies can help ease the pain. If you or someone you know suffers from inexplicable or recurring headaches that include vision impairment, tingling sensations, or other physical symptoms, make sure to get them checked out by a doctor.
Home Safety Month Protect what you love. Have you ever heard that most car accidents happen within a few blocks of home? As it turns out, many accidents happen before you even leave. Injuries that happen at home account for 21 million medical visits and close to 20,000 deaths each year, according to the Home Safety Council’s 2004 State of Home Security in America. Older adults, who tend to spend more time at home, are at even greater risk. The good news is that by taking a few simple precautions, many of these injuries can be prevented.
Don’t stop with physical safety; mental and emotional well-being are also part of feeling safe. Clear a cluttered area, create a space for yoga or stretching, learn about feng shui, put up a painting or photograph you love. Do one thing this month that will make you a little happier at home. Getting acquainted with your neighbors can also bring peace of mind. Knowing someone is looking out for you can greatly reduce stress and anxiety.
National Men’s Health Week (June 11-17) Real men get check-ups. In 1920, women lived an average of one year longer than men. Today, men die almost six years earlier than women and are more likely to die of heart disease and cancer, according to the Centers for Disease Control. These troubling statistics haven’t translated into better health care practices for men. A recent survey found that men take better care of their cars than of their own health, according to Men’s Health Network. Eighty-four percent of men said they had had their car serviced in the past year, but only 66 percent had been to the doctor for an annual check-up. Putting off medical visits and ignoring symptoms is especially common among Hispanic men who, because of machista attitudes, often view going to the doctor as a sign of weakness. Don’t let your man suffer in silence. Encourage the men you love to get a tune-up, whether that means starting a fitness program, improving their diet, getting a physical, or even seeing a therapist.
Updated: October 2006
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