April is National Cancer Prevention and Early Detention Month, which brings awareness regarding reducing cancer risks and getting screened for cancer in a timely manner. Also, early screening can decrease cancer deaths  and have better health outcomes. Cancer screening and lifestyle changes can be the key to preventing cancer. Please consult your doctor for any cancer screening that you may require. When you are aware of your risk for certain cancers, advocate for yourself be

April is Physical Wellness Month. This month brings awareness to focus on the importance of increasing physical activity and taking better care of yourself. Here are some key points of Physical Wellness Month.*Sleep Hygiene: Getting 7-9 hours of sleep nightly.*Decrease Stress: Pray, mediate, get a hobby, and practice mindfulness.*Preventive Care: Be proactive in scheduling routine screening and yearly physical exams.*Start Moving: Get at least 30 minutes of physical activity

April is National Minority Health Month. This month brings awareness on improving health equity for minority communities. National Minority Month, promotes education, screening, and focusing on chronic illness in the minority communities. The goals for this month are: *Regular screening *Addressing the lack of healthcare access. *Accessing community resource. It's your responsibility to find the resources in your community to reduce the health disparities gap. Thank you

April is Stress Awareness Month. Stress can have a negative impact on our mental, spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being. Here are some tips to cope with stress. Pray (mediate & read the bible). Take care of yourself (get enough sleep, stay hydrated, and eat healthy). *Seek HELP (Talk to a professional if you need help). We all will have stressful situations daily, but how you cope with stress can determine a healthy outcome.

March is National Nutrition Month. This month is focused on making healthy food choices, incorporate healthy food habits, and participate in physical activity. Here are some tips to embrace National  Nutrition Month. *Eat more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. *Limit screen time during meals. *Participate in  physical activity for a least 30 minutes daily (consult your doctor before exercising). Please, eat and select healthy food items because it can

March is American Red Cross Month . This month recognizes the volunteers, workers, and people who donate blood. The American Red Cross greatly depends on volunteers in the community to support blood donations and training for First Aid CPR. Please consider participating in community American Red Cross events this March.  Thank you.

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