They say that luck favors the prepared. But when it comes to diseases — or, as we at Solano Care Hospice have witnessed first hand with our patients on palliative and hospice care, even in death — comfort, convenience, and health also favor the willingly ready.
(In terms of preference, those who choose to deal with a chronic disease or pass away on their own terms escape dealing with the emotional, physical, and financial tolls of dying on a hospital bed, surrounded by and connected to machines.)
In terms of prevention, those who take precautionary measures early on can avoid or delay the onset of serious diseases and their ill effects.
Thus, to send you off on a good start before 2025 comes, we’re giving you 12 nuggets of wellness wisdom based on national health awareness months.
1. January | Glaucoma
Known as “the sneak thief of sight,” glaucoma shows no symptoms and can cause irreversible blindness. It affects roughly 3 million Americans.
Though there is currently no cure for the disease, it can be treated to prevent further vision loss. Early detection is vital; thus, it’s important to get regular eye exams and consult an ophthalmologist for tests to detect the presence of glaucoma.
2. February | Cancer
Like glaucoma, there are only treatments for cancer. The American Institute for Cancer Research has been making strides in its 40 years of relentless study of the disease, its prevention, and potential cures.
However, watching what you eat and maintaining a moderately active lifestyle can reduce your risks of developing cancer. As with most diseases, early detection is crucial to the success rates of treatments.
3. March | Kidneys
The National Kidney Foundation estimates that 1 in 3 adults in the US are at risk for kidney disease. Thus, taking care of these two organs that filter our blood, regulate fluids, and produce hormones to mention a few of its functions, must be an everyday task.
Cutting on salt, taking medicines as prescribed by physicians, staying well hydrated, and managing our glucose levels are some of the things we can do to take good care of our kidneys.
4. April | Alcohol
In 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) dispelled all forms of conjectures, rumors, and claims that a light alcohol drinking is safe for human health when it published a paper documenting that the practice contributed to 23,000 new cancer cases.
Though it may be a hard fact to swallow, the actual level of alcohol safe for human health is zero.
5. May | Arthritis
Arthritis is the country’s leading cause of disability. According to the Arthritis Foundation, it affects about 60 million adults, including hundreds of thousands of children.
To help keep arthritis at bay, it’s important to manage a healthy weight, quit smoking (as it stresses joint tissues), and maintain proper glucose levels.
6. June | Migraine
Migraine is not your typical headache. It is often characterized by a headache that gradually increases in strength and begins on one side of the head. Symptoms can include mood changes, fatigue, nausea, and vomiting.
There is currently no cure for migraines, but medications and interventions exist to treat it. These include over-the-counter pain medicines and relaxation and de-stressing techniques.
7. July | Sarcoma
A rare type of cancer, about 17,000 people are diagnosed with sarcoma in the United States each year. Sarcoma is sometimes curable using surgery with chemotherapy and/or radiation.
The Sarcoma Foundation of America advises that “Although a lot of the lumps and bumps we get are benign, people should have them looked at by a doctor at an early stage in case it is sarcoma.”
8. August | Immunization
Vaccines provide immunity to deadly diseases and contain only the ingredients needed for them to be as safe and effective as possible. Over the years, vaccination has protected millions of adult and infant lives from serious illnesses, according to the CDC.
There are many diseases that you can get vaccinated against. Best to consult your doctor to know which ones you should get, especially if you’re traveling to another country.
9. September | Recovery
National Recovery Month began in 1989 to help “increase public awareness surrounding mental health and addiction recovery.”
It aims to spread the good news that recovery is both real and possible for adults who have a mental health or substance use condition. In fact, 7 out of 10 of these adults reap the benefits of recovery in their daily lives.
We use our lungs every day and for the rest of our lives, so keeping this pair of organs in our bodies in top shape is crucial for our well being.
10. October | Lungs
October is the month that stresses this by reminding people to stay clear of pollutants, the most common of which is smoke — whether from automotive engines, factories, or cigarettes — to greatly reduce the risks of developing lung disease.
11. November | Diabetes
About 1.2 million Americans are diagnosed with diabetes annually, while roughly 97 million live with prediabetes.
Time-tested methods to avoid Type 2 diabetes are proper nutrition, an active lifestyle, and monitoring your blood sugar levels by consulting your physician regularly.
12. December | AIDS
World AIDS Day has been observed globally since 1988. It falls on the first day of December.
About 38 million people around the world live with AIDS. While strides have been made in treating AIDS, there is still no known cure to this deadly disease. Preventing transmission of the virus includes limiting the number of sexual partners, getting tested, not sharing needles, and using condoms.
