National Healthcare Appreciation Days in May 2022
The month of May comes with more than springtime blooms (and allergies) in the United States. May is filled with dozens of recognition days for the healthcare industry, including Nurses Week and Mental Health Month! Keep reading for all the healthcare awareness days that occur in May.
Awareness Months
ALS Awareness Month
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a progressive disease resulting in the loss of the ability to move, eat, speak, and breathe over time. Spread awareness of this condition by being an advocate for federal action or participating in a walk or endurance event aimed at raising money for ALS research.
Arthritis Awareness Month
Health experts say arthritis, which comes with joint pain, stiffness, and swelling, impacts nearly 58 million U.S. adults. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says physical activity, even walking, can improve arthritis pain by about 40%. Click here to discover what can be done to help arthritis patients in America. You can also participate in Autoimmune Arthritis Day, recognized annually on May 20.
Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month
Sniffing, sneezing, and itchy eyes are the symptoms of spring for people who suffer from asthma and allergies. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America is bringing awareness to these conditions with 31 days of action, including the distribution of fact sheets, social media chats, and education on improving air quality.
Better Hearing and Speech Month
“Connecting People” is the 2022 theme for Better Hearing and Speech Month, which focuses on communication disorders. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association has many tools, including social media images, video conferencing backgrounds, posters, and bookmarks, that you can use to help raise awareness of these conditions and connect patients with the resources they need to access life-altering treatments.
Celiac Awareness Month
Celiac disease is a hereditary autoimmune disease that affects about one in 100 people worldwide. People with celiac disease have to eat a gluten-free diet, avoiding foods with wheat, rye, and barley. Left untreated, people with celiac disease can develop other autoimmune diseases and also have a greater risk of heart disease and some cancers. During May, participate in Celiac Awareness Month by joining a study, becoming a patient advocate, or celebrating in these other ways.
Cystic Fibrosis Month
Cystic fibrosis is a rare genetic disease that limits a person’s ability to breathe over time, and about 30,000 Americans live with it, according to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. It’s “More Than a Lung Disease” that can affect sweat glands, the pancreas, and the intestines as well. Raise awareness by sharing the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s resources, like videos, articles, facts, and images.
Hepatitis Awareness Month
Hepatitis involves inflammation of the liver and can be caused by infections, toxins, and some drugs. There are multiple types of hepatitis, but you’ve probably heard about Hepatitis A, B, and C. The American Liver Foundation encourages healthcare workers to be tested regularly for Hepatitis C as they could be exposed to it through blood and bodily fluids.
Huntington’s Disease Awareness Month
Huntington’s disease is a rare, genetic disease that causes the degeneration of nerve cells in the brain, which can lead to physical, mental, and behavioral issues. The Huntington’s Disease Society of America is focused on researching safe and effective therapies for the condition. Learn more about this condition or share your experience with Huntington’s disease by using the hashtag #LetsTalkAboutHD on social media.
Lyme Disease Awareness Month
This recognition month is especially important for our travelers who like to hike! Lyme disease is carried by ticks, and it’s a condition present throughout the entire nation – not just the East Coast. More than 450,000 people are diagnosed with Lyme disease in the nation each year, and symptoms include neck pain, fatigue, rash, fever, and muscle and joint pain. Know how to personally protect yourself to limit your chances of being bitten by a tick carrying Lyme disease.
National Cancer Research Month
The National Cancer Institute says almost 40% of people will be diagnosed with cancer during their lifetime. While cancer research has helped millions of Americans, more is needed to continue to save lives. Get involved in this recognition month by participating in events that advocate for more cancer research.
National High Blood Pressure Education Month
The CDC says about 47% of American adults have high blood pressure, but only about 24% have it under control. Combat high blood pressure with daily exercise (even a 30-minute walk can make a difference), eating low-sodium foods, getting plenty of sleep, and managing stress.
National Lupus Awareness Month
About 5 million people around the world live with lupus, an autoimmune disease that attacks the body’s tissues. Symptoms of lupus include joint pain and swelling, fatigue, and a butterfly-shaped rash on the face. Show your support for people living with lupus by wearing purple – the color for lupus awareness – and educating others about the disease with this toolkit. You can also celebrate World Lupus Day on May 10.
National Melanoma Skin Cancer Awareness Month
Did you know melanoma is the most common cancer in the U.S.? It’s also the most preventable. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, having five or more sunburns can double your risk for melanoma, so practice sun safety by avoiding sunburn and tanning and using sunscreen. Each month, check yourself for new, changing, or unusual moles or blemishes, and see a dermatologist annually for an exam to ensure you find any skin cancer spots right away. You can also participate in Melanoma Monday®, a recognition day celebrated on the first Monday in May.
National Mental Health Month
Your mental health affects your quality of life, so it should always be prioritized. At TNAA, we don’t want you to go through mental health struggles alone. We offer resources such as First Stop Health, a free program that connects you with a licensed counselor who can provide support and help you navigate life’s difficult situations.
National Neurofibromatosis Month
The Children’s Tumor Foundation says neurofibromatosis (NF) is a condition that causes tumors to grow on nerve tissues throughout the body. There are multiple types of NF, and researchers are working to find effective treatments for the approximately 2.5 million people worldwide who live with it. You can be an advocate for NF awareness and research by sharing a fact about this rare condition or wearing blue and green on World NF Awareness Day on May 17.
National Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Month
The National Osteoporosis Foundation says osteoporosis, a bone disease, is preventable and manageable. However, health experts say an estimated one in two women and one in four men 50 and over will break a bone due to osteoporosis. You can help prevent the development of osteoporosis by getting the daily calcium and vitamin D that you need, getting a bone density test, and performing strength exercises.
National Stroke Awareness Month
Be aware of how to spot a stroke, which often includes symptoms of sudden numbness, confusion, trouble seeing or walking, and an unexplained severe headache, and know your stroke risk factors, like having high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, obesity, and high blood cholesterol. You can also help fund life-saving stroke research by joining a Cycle Nation event near you.
Brain Tumor Awareness Month
According to the National Brain Tumor Society, about 700,000 Americans have a primary brain tumor. Brain tumors can alter a patient’s life in several ways physically, cognitively, and psychologically. During May, take action by advocating for brain tumor research funding and raising awareness of the issues these patients face.
Healthy Vision Month
Participate in Health VIsion Month and protect your eyes by wearing appropriate eyewear, taking screen breaks, keeping your contact lenses clean, and getting an eye exam. Talk with your doctor to identify any risks you might have for developing eye disease later in life.
National Critical Care Awareness and Recognition Month
Nurses who work in critical care or intensive care units see patients at some of the most vulnerable times of their lives. Recognize and celebrate these nurses’ hard work by turning the ICU blue, whether that’s by wearing blue, bringing blue snacks, or decorating with blue balloons. If you participate, you can use the #BlueICU and #ICUProud hashtags when posting on social media. If you’re an ICU travel nurse, check out the TNAA jobs available in your specialty!
Nurses Month
“Nurses Make a Difference” is the theme for this healthcare recognition month, and we know how true that statement is! The world needs nurses. Not only do you touch the lives of patients and patients’ families but your experience on the front lines can also help shape healthcare policies. Celebrate yourself and each other by participating in the free American Nurses Association virtual party and sharing your stories.
Awareness Weeks
National Nurses Week – May 6 – 12, 2022
Time to celebrate the heart of the healthcare community – nurses! Today and every day, we appreciate the compassion and skills you use when caring for your patients. We can’t wait to highlight you this week and show you the ways that #TNAAcares. Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram to participate in our Nurses Week events. And don’t forget to treat yourself – check out our list of the National Nurses Week 2022 Discounts and Deals.
National Hospital Week – May 8 – 14, 2022
TNAA travelers take on important roles in hospitals across the nation. Share your story of working on the front lines and use the American Hospital Association’s social media graphics, posters, and campaigns to highlight National Hospital Week.
National Skilled Nursing Care Week – May 8 – 14, 2022
“Creating and Nurturing Connections” is exactly what staff in skilled nursing care centers do. During the pandemic, staff stepped in to provide residents with social connections during a time when they couldn’t visit with their family and friends. Show your appreciation by sharing the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living’s video that highlights those who work in this industry.
National Stuttering Awareness Week – May 9 – 15, 2022
The National Stuttering Association says people who stutter should speak out! According to experts, survey results show that speaking openly about the condition can help these people have fewer stuttering-related problems in life. Help get a conversation started by wearing National Stuttering Awareness Week apparel and accessories, or if you stutter, submit a Career Success Profile to highlight how it isn’t holding you back.
Neuroscience Nurses Week – May 15 – 21, 2022
These nurses help patients with injuries or illnesses that are tied to a nervous system dysfunction. Neuroscience nurses might deal with stroke, brain injury, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and dementia patients in their day-to-day work. They are responsible for monitoring neurological activity, assisting in post-op recovery, and more. Show your appreciation for your neuroscience nurses by saying thanks, bringing them treats, or hanging celebratory signs throughout the unit.
Healthcare Documentation Integrity Week – May 15 – 21, 2022
Proper documentation of a patient’s story can help medical professionals make quick decisions and recommendations for care. Healthcare Documentation Integrity Week recognizes the role we all play in providing accurate patient health records, from the patients who share their stories, the caretakers who advocate for their loved ones, and the specialists who ensure they are treated.
Awareness Days
World Asthma Day – May 3, 2022
“Closing Gaps in Asthma Care” is the theme for this 2022 recognition day. Some of the gaps in asthma care include equal access to medical treatment, education about the condition, and more. The Global Initiative for Asthma is calling on respiratory communities around the world to work collectively in bridging these gaps in asthma care.
Student Nurses Day – May 8, 2022
May 8 is National Student Nurses Day! We want to thank all the students who are putting their hearts into the healthcare industry. We can’t wait to see the great nurses you become! And don’t forget – TNAA offers an RN-to-BSN tuition reimbursement program through Aspen University and a $2,500 biannual scholarship for those seeking a BSN degree.
National School Nurse Day – May 11, 2022
School nurses act as a bridge between the healthcare and educational fields. If you know a school nurse, tell them thank you for doing everything they can to keep their students safe and healthy.
International ME/CFS Awareness Day – May 12, 2022
Imagine sleeping and never feeling rested. People with myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME)/ chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) know this feeling all too well. These conditions can lead to problems concentrating and thinking, which are exacerbated following physical activity. The National Institutes of Health says it’s likely about 1 million U.S. citizens suffer from ME/CFS but only about 20 percent have been diagnosed with it.
World No Tobacco Day – May 31, 2022
This year’s World No Tobacco Day highlights how tobacco not only damages your health but pollutes the planet. Tobacco production involves cutting down millions of trees, emitting tons of CO2, and using billions of liters of water. It also takes the lives of nearly 8 million people each year, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Need help saying no to tobacco? The WHO has various resources and calls to action to help.
