National Observances

Arthritis Awareness Month
To learn more, please visit the Arthritis Foundation website at http://www.arthritis.org

The National Eye Institute (NEI) established Health Vision Month in May 2003.  NEI is one of the US Department of Health and Human Services National Institutes of Health.  Healthy Vision Month is designed to elevate vision as a health priority for the Nation.

National Physical Fitness and Sports Month is an ideal time to celebrate active living.  It is sponsored by the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports.

National Women's Health Week is May 8th through 14th.  This week-long health observance is coordinated by the US Department of Health and Human Services' Office of Women's Health.  It brings together communities, businesses, government, health organizations, and other groups in an effort to promote women's health.  The theme for 2011 is "It's Your Time".

National Hurricane Preparedness Week is May 22 through May 28.  To learn about actions you should take to reduce the effectts of hurricane disaster, please visit the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Hurrican Preparedness Week webpage at http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/HAW2/english/intro.shtml

Heat Safety Awareness Day is May 27.  Heat is the number one weather-related killer in the United States.  The National Weather Services statistical data shows that heat causes more fatalities per year than floods, lightning, tornadies and hurricans combined.  To learn what you can do to stay safe during hot weather, please visit the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Heat webpage at http://www.weather.gov/om/heat/index.shtml