NOTE: This is Part 2 in our series on health-minded events in September. You can read Part 1 here.
While it’s always a good time to think about your health, September is particularly good. There aren’t any distractions from kids on summer vacation, visiting relatives, and cookouts. The kids are back to school, people are back to work, and there’s more free time to focus on important health issues facing ourselves, our family and our friends. Perhaps why September is chock-full of health-related events! We previously wrote about a couple, and here are a few more to consider paying attention to:
National Child Obesity Awareness Month
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about one out of every 5 children in the U.S. is considered obese. This poses some major, long-term health challenges, including growing numbers of people with chronic diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, some cancers, and many others. September is a great time to do what we can to ensure our children are healthy, and that means finding activities where they can be physically active every day, as well as giving them enough fruits and veggies to eat throughout the day.
National Cholesterol Education Month
Also promoted by the CDC, the National Cholesterol Education Month is a month-long effort to raise awareness of health issues caused by high cholesterol. According to the CDC, more than 102 million American adults have cholesterol levels above what is considered healthy. If you haven’t done it recently, September is a good time to get it checked. It is also advisable to have children’s cholesterol checked, as they can also have cholesterol issues. Luckily, there are many ways to treat high cholesterol, some of which simply involve getting more physical activity and introducing more fruits and vegetables into your diet.
World Heart Day (September 29)
This event is designed to educate and remind us of the benefits of having a healthy heart, as well as the dangers of cardiovascular disease. According to the World Heart Federation, cardiovascular disease is the world’s most lethal disease among non-communicable diseases, killing more than 17.5 million people worldwide each year. The World Heart Federation promotes events around the world to help families, communities and governments around the take charge of their heart health and that of others. Visit their website to find a nearby event.
Malnutrition Awareness Week (Sept 18 – 22)
The American Society for Parental and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN) started the Malnutrition Awareness Week in 2009 to call attention to nutrition issues associated with negative health outcomes in hospitals, and to advocate for optimal nutrition care for patients during hospital stays. The week features several high-level education opportunities, particularly for doctors and healthcare specialists, but patients may also find these interesting.
Are you looking for some new ways to be healthy? Schedule a visit with one of our functional medicine doctors and health specialists. Our integrated, healing-oriented approach focuses on the whole you, not just illness. Your health and wellness deserves a more comprehensive, functional approach that is patient-centered and customized to your needs.