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.

Alzheimer’s Awareness Week 2010

This week marks this years Alzheimer’s Awareness Week. Alzheimer’s is our nations’ 6^th leading cause of death.  This progressive and fatal brain disease attacks and destroys brain cells, resulting in problems with memory, thinking, and behavior severe enough to affect a person’s day-to-day routine. Ultimately, this disease ends with death.

Although there is no cure for this disease, early detection and treatment can help those diagnosed to continue on with their every day routines. Be sure to look out for the ten warning signs of Alzheimer’s in your loved ones.

For more information on Alzheimer’s and Alzheimer’s Awareness Week, please visit www.alz.org or call the 24/7 helpline at (800) 272-3900.