JANUARY 2006 NATIONAL HEALTH DAY In partnership with our member charities, Community Health Charities is proud to offer National Health Day email updates to businesses throughout the state to promote and enhance the health and wellness of employees and their families. Feel free to contact us if you are interested in learning more about any of the monthly National Health Day topics. We may offer a Lunch & Learn relevant to a topic that may be of interest to the employees in your workplace. To support any of the 34 health charities we represent, be sure to ask about our charitable giving campaigns for the workplace to support your health charity(ies) of choice. National Glaucoma Awareness Month Glaucoma causes loss of vision by damaging the part of your eye called the optic nerve. "open angle glaucoma," the most common type of glaucoma, affects more than 2.2 million Americans 40 years and older. It is estimated that at least half of those do not know they have it because it does not usually appear until the disease has become more advanced. Certain risk factors may increase your chances of having glaucoma: family history, if you are over 55, if you are African American or Hispanic, have taken steroids for a long time, have diabetes or high blood pressure, are very near sighted, have high blood pressure in your eyes, or have had an injury to an eye or eye surgery. Note, those without risk factors can still get glaucoma. Source: www.preventblindness.org/eye_problems/glaucoma_faq.html National Cervical Cancer Month It is estimated that 220 new cases of uterine/cervical cancer are expected to be diagnosed in Connecticut in 2005; 10,370 cases nationally. Approximately 3,710 cervical cancer deaths are anticipated in the United States in 2005. The rate of cervical cancer diagnosis has declined over the years due to the prevalence of the Pap test which is used for the early detection of cervical cancer. Mortality rates for cervical cancer have also declined over several decades due to prevention and early detection by screening. Symptoms of cervical cancer usually appear when abnormal cervical cells become cancerous and invade nearby tissue. The most common symptom is bleeding. Bleeding may stop and start in between regular menstrual periods, after intercourse, douching or a pelvic exam. Menstrual bleeding may last longer and may be heavier than usual. Other symptoms may include bleeding after menopause or increased vaginal discharge. Be sure to have an annual exam and discuss any abnormalities with your health care professional. Sources: www.cancer.org and Cancer Facts & Figures 2004 For Free American Cancer Society recipes, click here. Birth Defects Prevention Month About 150,000 babies are born each year with birth defects. One out of every 28 parents receive the frightening news that their baby has a birth defect. There are several thousand birth defects that have been identified that result in physical or mental disabilities. Both genetic and environmental factors can cause birth defects, however, 60-70% of the causes of birth defects are unknown. Some ways to reduce one's risk of having a child with a birth defect are: discuss family history with a health care provider; identify potential risks for possible birth defects and take folic acid found in a multivitamin. Studies show that taking folic acid prior to, and in early weeks of pregnancy reduces the risk of having a baby with certain birth defects. Avoid smoking, alcohol, and street drugs and consult with a health care provider before taking any type of medication, whether it is over-the-counter or herbal. A Lunch & Learn topic related to enjoying a healthy pregnancy is available. Please refer to topic 7 in your Lunch & Learn booklet. Source: www.modimes.org For Free March of Dimes recipes rich in Folic Acid, click here. Radon Awareness Month Radon is estimated to cause between 15,000 and 21,000 deaths annually in the United States from lung cancer. Radon, a radioactive gas that comes from the natural breakdown of uranium, can be found in soil and rocks. One cannot smell, taste or see it. Indoor radon exposure is estimated to be the second cause of lung cancer deaths yearly. An estimated six percent (1 in 15) of homes in the United States have elevated levels of radon. Radon can get into homes in a variety of ways: through gaps and cracks in the foundation or insulation of a home, through pipes, "sump" pumps, drains and other openings. Another common entry is through water. Reliable testing is fast, easy and inexpensive. Call the American Lung Association for a radon kit to test your home. 1-800-LUNG USA Source: www.lungusa.org If you would not like to receive these updates each month, please send an email to the list administrator by clicking here