March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. The screening age for colorectal cancer starts at 45 and continues through age 75. A colonoscopy every 10 years is the gold standard of screening unless your provider informs you otherwise, due to an abnormal test. Also, other opinions could be the stool-base tests annually or stool DNA test every 3 years. Please consult your provider to determine which screening is right for you.

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Colorectal cancer symptoms can include rectal bleeding or blood in stool, abdominal pain, fatigue, changes in bowel habits, and unexplained weight loss. Also, symptoms can appear later. Colorectal cancer can be preventable with screening. Please consult your primary care provider with any of these symptoms.

March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer related deaths in the U.S. This month brings awareness to promoting screening for colorectal cancer because with early screening this cancer is preventable. The age for colorectal cancer screening starts at 45 years old. If you're 45 years old or older and have not been screened, please consult your primary care provider.

February is American Heart Association Month.  Here are some tips for a healthy heart.  *Get at least 150 minutes of exercise weekly (30 minutes for 5 days)  Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grain foods. Please limited process foods. Decrease stress in your life.  *Know your cholesterol, blood pressure, and BMI numbers.  Always, consult your primary care provider before exercising and make an appointment to know your numbers.

National Donor Day was February 14th. National Donor Day honors the generosity of organ, eyes, and tissue donors whose gifts bring healing and hope. It's also time to show love and support for the more than 108,000 Americans waiting for a lifesaving transplant. Learn more or register as an organ donor at  www.networkforhope.org Denisha M. Henry, CMA (AAMA)Community Engagement Associate. Network for Hope

America Heart Association Go Red for Women Awareness is in February. African American females have a higher rate of high blood pressure than other females. High blood pressure/hypertension is called the "silent killer. “Here’s a list of signs/symptoms of a heart attack.  *Shortness of breath.  Chest pain or discomfort in one or both arms, back, neck, jaw or stomach.  Breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea, or lightheadedness.  If you are experiencing any of these signs/symptoms

February is American Heart Awareness Month. This is the month to bring awareness to cardiovascular disease. This is the time to manage your blood pressure, decrease any risk factors regarding heart disease, and prompting a healthier lifestyle. Please consult your primary care provider when making any health changes.

January is Substance Use Disorder Treatment Month. This month brings attention and support of individuals that are seeking treatment from substances disorders. It brings awareness to this medical issue to eliminate the stigma of this disorder. The time is now to encourage and support individuals to seek treatment for substance disorders. Please consult your primary care provider or a substances disorder professional for help.

January is Birth Defect Awareness Month. This month is to raise awareness regarding birth defects. The National Birth Defects Prevention Network, wants to bring awareness in the community that:*Promote healthy pregnancies*Reduce the risk of birth defects*Available supports/resources in the communities*Advocate for children and families living with birth defects. If you're a female at childbearing age, please seek medical care if you're pregnant to reduce birth defects.

January is Birth Defect Awareness Month. This month is to raise awareness regarding birth defects. The National Birth Defects Prevention Network,  wants to bring awareness in the community that:*Promote healthy pregnancies*Reduce the risk of birth defects*Available supports/resources in the communities*Advocate for children and families living with birth defects.If you're a female at childbearing age, please seek medical care if you're pregnant to reduce birth defects.

January has many Health Awarenesses. January is National Blood Donor Month. When people donate blood they are helping to save another person's life. Blood donations benefit cancer patients, trauma victims, childbirth, and other medical needs. Here are some general eligibilities to donate blood.*Age: 17 years or older (16 years old with parental consent).Weight: 110 lbs. or greater. Medications: Some medications can prevent donation (antibiotics). Health: No cold or flu sympto

December is recognized as Give the Gift of Sight. Give the Gift of Sight focus is eye health care. You can prevent or decrease your chances of blindness by getting an annual comprehensive eye examination. There are several diseases that affect your vision. When you get an annual eye examination, you are being proactive and reducing possible blindness in the future. Give yourself the Gift of Sight.

December is National Safe Toys and Gifts Month. As, Christmas is fast approaching, please be mindful of the toys and gifts you select for your loved ones. Here's a list of safety areas to focus on.*Age Appropriateness: Please make sure the toy matches the child's age.*Riding Toys: Please have head protective gear for bikes, scooters, and  skateboards.*Please throw away trash like plastic wrapping to prevent a choking hazard.*Please keep small items and batteries away from kid

December has a week recognized as National Influenza Vaccine week. The month of December is important to receive your flu vaccination. The flu vaccine can decrease the risk of getting the flu and spreading it to others, like the young, older people, and people with chronic health issues. Also, receiving the flu vaccination is to protect against severe illness, hospitalization, and death. Please consult your primary care provider and get your flu vaccination this month

December is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). This month is to bring awareness to a type of depression that appears in late fall and winter. This seasonal depression improves in the spring and summer. Symptoms are similar to depression like:*Mood changes*Low energy*Sleeping issues*Feeling hopeless (just to name a few). Some treatments include light therapy, vitamin D supplements, antidepressants, and psychotherapy. Please consult your primary care provider if you are experie

November is National Diabetes Month. This month brings awareness about diabetes and is working towards a cure. Almost one in two Americans has diabetes or prediabetes.  Common signs & symptoms include but are not limited to:   Increase thirst, Fatigue, Frequent urination, Blurred vision   *Unexplained weight loss Increased hunger (just to list a few)   If you're experiencing any of these signs & symptoms, please consult your primary care provider.   Thank you!

November is National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month. Alzheimer's disease is a progressive, deadly brain disease for which there is no cure. Symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease include but are not limited to:*Repeating question*Poor judgment that can lead to bad decisions*Difficulty with language*Memory loss*Wandering and getting lost (just to name a few)If you or a loved one is having issues with these symptoms to make an appointment and consult with your provider.

November is also Men's Health Awareness Month. The focus is on mental health, suicide prevention, physical well-being, prostate cancer, and testicular cancer. One of the goals is to reduce the shame of seeking help or treatment of mental illness. November encourages males to be proactive regarding their overall health needs and see your doctor/provider for annual health screenings.

November is also Lung Cancer Awareness. This month is devoted to bringing awareness regarding early detection and treatment of lung cancer. Lung cancer causes the most cancer deaths worldwide. If you are:  *An adult 50 to 80.  *Have a 20 "pack per year" or more smoker. Or 1 pack per day for 20 years/2 packs for 10 years.  *You have currently smoked or quit within the past 15 years.  Please consult your doctor if you have any of the screening criteria.

November has numerous health awareness. Diabetes will be the focus of health awareness this week. Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects how the body uses glucose for energy. African Americans have a higher rate of diabetes than some other cultures. African Americans can have genetic, health, and social risk factors causing increased rates. You can lower the risk factors by:   Exercising regularly   Managing your weight   *Well, balance eating regimen (but not limited to)