Every April, Child Abuse Prevention Month is an opportunity to learn about the signs of child abuse and how to prevent it. Communities around the nation come together to support families and children by reinforcing strategies that are working. Outreach programs, resources, and activities offer tools for identifying abuse and neglect. With each opportunity, we bring hope to families and come closer to an end to child abuse and neglect. In 2016, the theme is “Building Community, Building Hope.” According to childwelfare.gov this theme “…acknowledges the tremendous power in communities to address the problem of child abuse and neglect and reflects our goal of providing a multidisciplinary forum focused on intersections of research, policy, and practice related to promoting child and family well-being and protecting children, to ensure that they grow up to achieve their full potential, free from abuse and neglect.”
NATIONAL CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH HISTORY: National Child Abuse Prevention Month was first observed in 1983 by proclamation by President Ronald Reagan. The Office on Child Abuse and Neglect continues to coordinate activities, prepare promotional materials and host multidisciplinary forums focused on prevention, education, and awareness on an annual basis.
HOW TO OBSERVE
Support child abuse prevention programs.
For more information on National Child Abuse Prevention Month visit www.childwelfare.gov.
Promote the prevention of child abuse by using #NationalChildAbusePreventionMonth on social media.
NATIONAL AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH
National Autism Awareness Month raises awareness for autism and Asperger’s syndrome during April. Autism is a complex brain disorder that often inhibits a person’s ability to communicate, respond to surroundings, and form relationships with others. According to WHO, about one in 270 people in the world has Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). ASD is a group of developmental disabilities that causes challenges in many areas of one’s life. Some of the profoundly affected areas include social, communication, and behavior. Children with ASD are usually nonverbal or they have restricted or repetitive behaviors. ASD also affects people of all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds. The month-long observance takes place during World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD), celebrated each year on April 2nd. WAAD was adopted by the United Nations in 2007 to shine a bright light on autism as a growing global health crisis. WAAD activities increase world knowledge of autism and impart information about the importance of early diagnosis and early intervention. Additionally, WAAD celebrates the unique talents and skills of persons with autism around the world.
NATIONAL AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH HISTORY: National Autism Awareness Month began in 1972 as National Autistic Children’s Week. The Autism Society founded the event to increase awareness, advocate awareness, and spark change in schools, communities, medical facilities, and businesses.
HOW TO OBSERVE :
Host an event supporting autism awareness.
Attend an event and show your support for someone you know.
Share your story and make your voice heard.
While the MONTH also celebrates the stories and lives of those with autism, it’s also important to remember that autism is a lifelong condition with varying degrees of severity. It’s important to continue to support research for treatment and therapies that will improve the lives of those with autism.
Speak out about autism to help eliminate the stigma associated with it.
Use #AutismAwarenessMonth to share on social media.
PARKINSON’S AWARENESS MONTH
National Parkinson’s Awareness Month in April encourages us to participate in one or more events near you supporting further research bringing us closer to a cure. Parkinson’s is a neurodegenerative disorder. Over time, this slowly progressing condition causes tremors, gait and balance issues, limb stiffness or rigidity, and a slow muscle movement. While each person responds differently to the disease, complications often become serious. According to the Parkinson’s Foundation, approximately 60,000 Americans are diagnosed with the disease each year. While young adults are rarely diagnosed with Parkinson’s, the risks increase with age. Beyond age, other risk factors include:
If a close relative has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s, your risk increases.
Men are more likely than women to be diagnosed with Parkinson’s.
Herbicides and pesticides may pose a slight risk for Parkinson’s.
There is no cure, and more research is needed. Awareness, treatments, and education go a long way to supporting those affected by the disease, but they are not a cure.
PARKINSON’S AWARENESS MONTH HISTORY: Parkinson’s Awareness Month has been observed since 1983. There are over 1,500 national days. Don’t miss a single one. Celebrate Every Day with National Day Calendar®
HOW TO OBSERVE:
Learn more about Parkinson’s, its symptoms, and what is being done to find a cure.
Support those with Parkinson’s. Be there for friends and family.
Donate to organizations funding research and support for those with Parkinson’s.
Host a fundraiser or awareness event.
Participate in local events.
Visit parkinson.org to learn more about Parkinson’s and get involved.
Use #Parkinson’sAwarenessMonth to share on social media.
NATIONAL ALCOHOL AWARENESS MONTH
April is National Alcohol Awareness Month in America and provides an opportunity to increase awareness of alcohol addiction in an intense 30-day focus. The observance aims to bring an understanding of alcohol’s causes and the effective treatments available. The observance is also an opportunity for people to share their experiences with alcoholism, recover, and offer support to others seeking recovery. Additionally, the month-long campaign promotes an “Alcohol-Free Weekend,” held annually. In 2019, this event happens April 5-7 and encourages individuals and families to remain free of use for 72 hours while seeking help if desired.
NATIONAL ALCOHOL AWARENESS MONTH HISTORY: Alcohol Awareness Month was established in 1987 by the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence. The idea was then and now to help communities reach out to the public and provide answers to end the stigma associated with alcohol abuse. For more information, please visit: https://www.ncadd.org/
HOW TO OBSERVE:
Practice limiting their consumption by keeping track of the quantity consumed.
Become informed about how alcohol impacts the body in the short and long term.
Encourage parents to discuss alcohol abuse with children and talk to your own children too.
Healthcare workers can make a concerted effort during the month of April to talk about options with their patients.
Be sure to use the hashtag #AlcoholAwarenessMonth on social media while sharing and increasing awareness.
STRESS AWARENESS MONTH
Stress Awareness Month is an annual designation observed in April. Have you ever been in a situation that was a little (or a lot) overwhelming, you had deadlines approaching and a mile-long to-do list, and you were just in way over your head?! Well, you’re definitely not alone. Everyone feels stressed from time to time, especially as we get older and the responsibilities really pile onto our plate. The thing about stress is, a little bit of it isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but too much of it can be detrimental to our emotional and physical health. Learning to find a healthy balance is the best way to live a productive, happy life. A small amount of stress once in a while is a good thing because it means you’re working hard and you care about what you’re doing. If you were never stressed, that would probably mean you’re living a lethargic lifestyle without a whole lot of work involved. However, too much stress doesn’t allow us to think straight, and is overbearing and counterproductive. Prolonged stress leads to real physical problems and can cause strokes, IBS, ulcers, diabetes, muscle and joint pain, miscarriages, etc.This month, recognize the difference between good and bad stress and try to find your happy place within the madness.
Use #NationalStressAwarenessMonth or #StressAwarenessMonth to post on social media. This month, we are all challenged to keep our stress levels low, and our peace levels high. Here are some great ways to keep your mind clear and de-stress if you find yourself getting too overwhelmed.
Exercise. You’ve probably heard this one before, and even though it’s probably not exactly what you want to do when you’re feeling stressed (because laying on the couch and watching movies sounds more appealing), exercising gets endorphins pumping through your brain, which triggers a happy feeling. Exercise lowers your body’s stress hormones like cortisol, and releases chemicals that make you feel more at peace.
Think about taking natural supplements to help you feel more at ease. Natural remedies like lemon balm, omega-3 fatty acids, ashwagandha, green tea, and essential oils are very helpful.
Light a candle or turn on the oil diffusers, put on some soft, soothing music and dim the lights. Take a deep breath and count your blessings.
Caffeine intake reduction can help (even though it’s tough to kick the coffee!) because caffeine tends to make us jittery, which can cause stress and anxiety.
Spend time laughing with friends and family. Let yourself have a good time and get your mind off the busyness of the real world.
NATIONAL HUMOR MONTH
Why did a rubber duck cross the road? To see the rubber chicken! April is National Humor Month! Humor plays an essential role in our overall health. The ability to smile, laugh, and play is directly related to the way we express our personalities. It’s one of our more redeeming qualities. The more we laugh at ourselves, the better suited we are for the world around us, too! Jokes and general silliness help to increase our heart rate and blood flow bringing oxygen to our brain and vital organs. A sparkle dances in our eyes as hormones flood our bodies reducing pain and stress. Can you imagine a world without laughter?
NATIONAL HUMOR MONTH HISTORY: Larry Wilde, Director of the Carmel Institute of Humor, comedian, and author, founded National Humor Month in 1976 to share the therapeutic benefits of humor with the world. Visit www.humormonth.com to learn more.
HOW TO OBSERVE:
Tell a joke or act silly for just a moment every day. Humor is contagious. Be prepared to smile! Watch a funny movie. Attend a comedy show. Just clown around! Use #NationalHumorMonth to share your fun with someone who needs their month brightened.
NATIONAL POETRY MONTH
Throughout National Poetry Month, poets, publishers, schools, literary enthusiasts, and word lovers the world over celebrate the cadence and song of poetry. Poetry blasts, library readings, projects and so much more will take place. Every year there is ample opportunity to immerse yourself in the best and latest poetry. Experiment and play with language and words letting them trip off your tongue and through your mind creating images of alliteration or motivate action. Study a style you’ve wanted to try or delve in delve into an edgy topic. Wander off into a world of backward speak and slither past the echoing valleys of the repetitive chorus. Your poem is calling to you.
NATIONAL POETRY MONTH HISTORY: National Poetry Month, a celebration of poetry which takes place each April, was introduced in 1996 and is organized by the Academy of American Poets as a way to increase awareness and appreciation of poetry in the United States. The Academy of American Poets' website Poets.org serves as a hub for information about local poetry events during the month.
HOW TO OBSERVE:
Write, read, listen and study poetry. The entire month will offer local and national talent as well as workshops to poets. Visit poets.org for more information and use #NationalPoetryMonth to share on social media. Educators, visit the National Day Calendar Classroom for ideas and projects to celebrate all month long.