National Health Awareness Days in October 2022
October ushers in cooler weather, spectacular foliage, and spine-tingling holidays. But there’s more to October than that – the month also holds several opportunities to recognize various healthcare professionals, medical conditions, and patients. Keep reading to learn about the healthcare awareness days observed in October.
Month-long Observances
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
There are nearly 3.8 million breast cancer survivors in the U.S. Still, it’s estimated that about 287,500 women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer and 2,710 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year alone. There are multiple ways to speak up about the disease during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, from wearing pink to running in a local race. You can even read stories from TNAA internal employees and ambassadors as they share their experiences with breast cancer.
Down Syndrome Awareness Month
Experts say 400,000 U.S. citizens live with Down syndrome, which impacts both body and brain development and occurs when a child is born with an extra chromosome. People with Down syndrome have dreams and goals like everyone else. Recognize Down Syndrome Awareness Month by watching the National Association for Down Syndrome fashion show and supporting a model or donating to the cause.
Healthy Lung Month
The American Lung Association says approximately 37 million Americans live with chronic lung disease. Signs of lung disease include chronic cough, mucus production, or chest pain; shortness of breath; and wheezing. Advocate for healthy lungs, both for yourself and others, by abstaining from smoking, minimizing exposure to pollutants, doing your best to prevent the spread of respiratory infections, and getting regular check-ups.
Liver Cancer Awareness Month
The American Cancer Society expects more than 41,000 new liver or intrahepatic bile duct cancer cases in 2022. Risk factors include cirrhosis, chronic viral hepatitis, heavy alcohol use, obesity, tobacco use, and more. Help promote liver cancer screening and early detection by participating in the Global Liver Institute’s #OctoberIs4Livers campaign.
National Spina Bifida Awareness Month
Spina Bifida, meaning “split spine,” is a congenital disability that happens when a developing baby’s spinal cord doesn’t fully develop or properly close while they are in the mother’s womb. There’s still much for researchers to learn about spina bifida, including its causes. Help raise awareness and support for people living with this condition by sharing their stories or starting a Facebook fundraiser.
Rett Syndrome Awareness Month
Rett syndrome, a rare neurological disorder caused by mutations on the X chromosome, is most prevalent in girls, though some cases have been reported in males. Symptoms, which typically begin to appear between 6 – 18 months, include loss of speech, mobility, and muscle tone, seizures, breathing issues, scoliosis, and more. Show your support for more Rett syndrome research and resources by advocating for a cure, sharing facts on social media, or participating in a Strollathon near you.
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Awareness Month
Health professionals say SIDS is a quick, quiet, unexplained fatality of an infant under age 1. According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), these deaths usually happen during sleep or in the area where a baby sleeps. You can share this toolkit with expecting parents to educate them on SIDS risk factors and safe sleep practices.
Pregnancy & Infant Loss Awareness Month
Each October, the nation remembers children lost at any point during pregnancy or infancy and their mourning loved ones. Support Pregnancy & Infant Loss Awareness Month by supporting the families of those who have lost a child. You can perform an act of kindness in memory of a child, update your Facebook profile frame in a matter of seconds, and share social media messages supporting the #NeverBeStill campaign. You can also participate in the International Wave of Light on October 15 by lighting a candle at 7 p.m. your time to remember all the infants and their families.
National Physical Therapy Month
Physical therapists help patients regain mobility and function after they’ve sustained an injury or illness. How do you celebrate National Physical Therapist Month? Promote the profession with the American Physical Therapy Association’s toolkit, or take your career to a new level by becoming a traveling physical therapist. Check out TNAA’s PT jobs here.
American Pharmacists Month
There are more than 300,000 pharmacists who provide medicines and administer life-saving vaccines to communities nationwide. During American Pharmacists Month, take time to recognize our pharmacies’ roles in the healthcare industry and share your appreciation for them on social media with #APhM2022 and #pharmacistsmonth.
Medical Ultrasound Awareness Month
Ultrasounds, used for more than pregnancy checkups, are noninvasive imaging tests that provide a real-time look at internal organs, blood vessels, and tissues. Ultrasounds help healthcare professionals as they work to diagnose medical conditions for patients. During Medical Ultrasound Awareness Month, use the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography’s desktop, phone, and video call backgrounds to start a conversation about the many uses of ultrasounds.
Week-long Observances
Mental Illness Awareness Week – October 2 – 8, 2022
Nearly 20% of U.S. adults have a mental illness, which includes anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, major depressive episodes, and more. In 2022, Mental Illness Awareness Week focuses on “What I Wish I Had Known,” as people living with mental illness share their experiences and what they’ve learned that could have helped them sooner.
Emergency Nurses Week – October 9 – 15, 2022
Emergency nurses focus on stabilizing their patients and must be able to think quickly and clearly in high-stress situations. During Emergency Nurses Week, use social media to give your ER nurses a shoutout or read stories from TNAA’s ambassador ER nurses to learn more about the profession.
Sterile Processing Week – October 9 – 15, 2022
A sterile processing technician ensures surgeons and doctors have access to clean and working medical equipment. SPTs must know how to sterilize and inspect various medical equipment so physicians can carry out successful examinations, treatments, and procedures. If you’re an SPT, celebrate this week by pursuing a career that moves you and becoming a traveling sterile processing tech!
National Dialysis Technician Recognition Week – October 10 – 15, 2022
The National Kidney Foundation says more than 2 million people worldwide are on dialysis, which aids patients who develop end-stage kidney failure. Dialysis techs monitor machines and vital signs, educate patients about the dialysis process, and much more. If you’re a dialysis tech, celebrate your work by sharing your photos on social media or grabbing merch for National Dialysis Tech Recognition Week.
International Infection Prevention Week – October 16 – 22, 2022
As medical professionals, you know how vital infection prevention and control are to public health. Take a few minutes to celebrate International Infection Prevention Week by participating in this schedule of events, from Twitter chats to Instagram takeovers.
Medical Assistants Recognition Week – October 17 – 21, 2022
Medical assistants handle administrative and patient care tasks, like answering phones, scheduling appointments, and recording patient information and medical histories. Their help is much appreciated as it alleviates others’ workloads. Show your love for medical assistants this week by expressing your appreciation on social media and using hashtags #MedicalAssistantsRecognitionWeek or #MARWeek.
National Respiratory Care Week – October 23 – 29, 2022
Respiratory therapists help patients with lung and breathing issues. If you’re interested in the career, take time during National Respiratory Care Week to read about what it takes to become a respiratory therapist and browse our RT jobs!
Awareness Days
World Cerebral Palsy Day – October 6, 2022
Cerebral palsy is a lifelong disability affecting the area of the brain that directs muscle movement. This year, World Cerebral Palsy Day is focused on sharing ideas that lead to breakthroughs in accessible technology for people living with the condition. Promote the campaign by voting for and sharing your favorite idea and using hashtags #WorldCPDay and #MillionsOfReasons on social media.
World Mental Health Day – October 10, 2022
At TNAA, we don’t want you to go through any struggles alone, which is why we offer various resources and support teams to stay by your side. So on World Mental Health Day, ensure that you’re putting your mental health first. Read about TNAA’s Mental Wellness Resources, including First Stop Health – a free, confidential, 24/7 service that connects you with a licensed counselor. You can even request to speak with a counselor from a specific demographic to find someone who truly relates to your circumstances.
Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day – October 13, 2022
Metastatic breast cancer is the most advanced form of disease that occurs when the cancer spreads from the breast to other organs in the body. On Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day, know about some resources you can provide to patients or loved ones suffering from this disease.
World Spine Day – October 16, 2022
#EverySpineCounts is World Spine Day’s theme this year, highlighting the challenges people face when living with low back pain. According to experts, nearly 1 billion people worldwide suffer from spinal pain. Participate by sharing World Spine Day facts on social media.
World Osteoporosis Day – October 20, 2022
Osteoporosis is a disease that causes bones to weaken over time and become brittle enough to fracture with minor injuries or sudden movements. On World Osteoporosis Day, #StepUpForBoneHealth by taking care of yourself – perform weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening exercises, ensure you’re eating a nutritious diet, and avoid smoking and excessive alcohol use.
International Stuttering Awareness Day – October 22, 2022
Approximately 1% of the adult U.S. population lives with a stutter, which can include repetitions in words, prolongations, blocks, or any combination of the three. There are multiple strategies to helping people who stutter, including speech therapy. Use your voice on International Stuttering Awareness Day by sharing the facts and squashing any myths about stuttering.
