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| Photo: Getty Images/Neo Vision |
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November
Almost 20 million people in the United States have diabetes, but Hispanics are 1.5 times more likely to have the disease than white non-Hispanics of similar age, according to the American Diabetes Association.
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Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month
Epilepsy Awareness Month “Patients 65 and older are the fastest-growing population of epileptics,” says Dr. Blanca Vázquez of New York University Medical Center. A stroke or head trauma can cause epilepsy, so Vázquez suggests wearing helmets during activities such as bicycling to prevent head injuries. Also watch for warning signs. “Identical episodes of memory lapses or speech and language changes should be investigated,” says the Mayo Clinic’s Dr. Joseph Sirven.
Care for the caregiver. Family caregivers play a vital role in the U.S. health care system, providing nearly 80 percent of all long-term care, according to the U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. In any given year, there are over 50 million people in the United States caring for a chronically ill, disabled, or aged relative or friend. Many of them are Hispanic. In fact, 34 percent of Hispanic households are living with the person under their care, according to a joint study by AARP and the National Alliance for Caregiving (2004). Hispanics are also more likely to provide substantial financial support and high levels of personal care to elders, in many cases giving up their own hobbies and social activities. Take care of family caregivers this month! Join the National Family Caregivers Association (NFCA), to help bring attention to the work of family caregivers, advocate for stronger public policy to address their needs, and increase the community programs that support them.
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Lung Cancer Awareness Month Quit it. More people die of lung cancer than prostate, breast, and colorectal cancers combined. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among Hispanic men and the second leading cause among Hispanic women. It is also the most preventable cancer. Almost 87 percent of lung cancer is found in smokers—that’s more than 8 out of every 10 lung cancer cases. The message is clear. If you’re a smoker, stop smoking. If you don’t smoke, know your rights to a smoke-free environment. Prevention is particularly important when it comes to lung cancer. It can also develop in people who have never smoked. Researchers are looking into other risk factors for lung cancer, including exposure to carcinogens like asbestos and radon, air pollution, and family history. This month, learn the facts about lung cancer and help stop the spread of this deadly disease.
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Additional Resources: These links are provided for informational purposes only. AARP does not endorse, and has no control over, or responsibility for, the linked sites or the content, advertisements, materials, products, or services available on or throughout these sites. |
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