Psoriasis Awareness Month

This month is Psoriasis Awareness Month. As the most prevalent autoimmune disease in the US, Psoriasis occurs when the immune system sends false signals resulting in red, scaly patches on the skin that itch and bleed. The National Psoriasis Foundation  sponsors this month of awareness for psoriasis, hoping to raise awareness, educate the public and rid the myths about psoriasis.

For more information, please visit the National Psoriasis Foundation Online at www.Psoriasis.org.

Spinal Muscular Atrophy Awareness Month

August is Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Awareness Month. SMA is a rare genetic disease found primarily in newborns and children. This disease affects the spinal nerves and causes weakness in muscles all over the body. This can affect bodily functions crucial to a young child such as sucking, and swallowing. It also affects the breathing of the child, as weak back muscles can cause the lungs to be compressed. There is no cure for SMA; however, early detection and treatment can help the child to be more comfortable and manage complications.

Please visit Families of SMA for more information and patient support.

National Immunization Awareness Month

August is National Immunization Awareness Month, focusing community attention on the importance of immunization. Vaccines have eliminated or reduced many diseases once common in our country; however, many diseases still exist that can  infect those who are not protected. Be sure that your family and loved ones are up-to-date on their immunizations. It not only ensures your safety but the safety of the community by slowing down the transmission of bacteria and viruses that cause disease.

Visit MedicineNet for more information on immunizations.

National Minority Donor Awareness Day

Today is National Minority Donor Awareness Day, a day set aside to increase awareness of organ donation among African American, Hispanic/Latino, Asian, Alaskan Native, Pacific Islander and Native American populations. This day originated from the Minority Organ and Tissue Transplant Education Program (MOTTEP) at Howard University in Washington ,D,C. President Bill Clinton first recognized it in 1996.

Statistics show that minority communities’ account for more than half of the nearly 100,000 Americans on the waiting list for an organ transplant today. The number of minorities in need of transplants is significantly higher than the number of minority donors. Matches with certain racial groups have proven to have higher compatibility levels than those made outside racial groups. The hope of National Minority Donor Awareness Day is to educate minority on the importance of becoming an organ donor.

Learn how to become a donor and more at www.donoralliance.org.