July is National Mental Health Awareness Month. It's the time to discuss the many challenges that minorities face regarding mental illness.  Mental health can impact how a person feels and thinks. Here are some symptoms of Mental Illness: *Weight or appetite changes *Feeling hopelessness *Isolate yourself from people and activities (Just to name a few) Please consult a medical professional if you are experiencing any of these mental health symptoms.

July is Social Wellness Month. The health risk of becoming alone or isolated can compare to the risks associated with medical disease. You can increase social network by: *Joining activities with others that you enjoy. *Volunteer or donate your time helping others. *Create opportunities to connect with others. Having a strong social network can decrease unwanted stress from your life. Thank you!

July is UV Safety Month. This month encourages us to protect our skin and decrease long exposure to UV rays which can lead to skin damage. Helpful hints to protect your skin: · Wear protective clothing like long-sleeve shirts, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses. · Use SPF 30 Broad spectrum sunscreen. · Seek the shade during peak sunlight hours. African Americans can also get skin cancer.