- Alcohol Free Weekend - Springtime is fun time. It's not too hot or too cold to have a great party. However, with many parties come bottom up drinking. One weekend without alcoholic beverages may not be a huge concern for most of us. However, when surrounded by friends and family, the peer pressure could be magnified. This year, Alcohol Free Weekend is also the Easter holiday. Hopefully, you can focus more on prayers, celebrating your faith with family and friends, chasing an Easter bunny or finding colored eggs - all while getting some natural sunlight and exercise. Take a pass on the cocktails. If you are hosting, offer mocktails instead. Mocktails have all of the deliciousness of a cocktails without the alcoholic buzz. So, enjoy your guests more than your drink.
- Eye Exam/Facial protection - Spring is upon us. It is a wonderful time to catch the extra rays to get our required Vitamin D. However, we must be extremely careful to balance our time in the sun with taking care of our skin and eyes. The good thing about spring is the wonderful hats and sunglasses available. So, go ahead and roll the sunroof back or put the top down on the car, have a cookout or backyard gathering, enjoy the beach and this great weather, but do not sacrifice your eyes or your skin. Facial skin is delicate and easily battered. So, this month, the second part of the challenge is also two-fold: Protect your eyes - get an eye exam and a new pair of sunglasses and protect your face: see a dermatologist, get a facial, update your makeup with proper sunscreen, and get a beautiful hat that protects your face.
- STD/Sexual Assault Awareness - Spring is in the air…and we can get a little frisky! LOL! However, we need to take our sexual responsibility very seriously. This month, think about your sexual exploits, whether it is with no one, someone special, or a few lucky people. You have to step up your responsibility in this area. Women are often seen as the passive player. We'll make sure you protect yourself. In a consensual relationship, make sure you require your partner to protect themselves as well you provide protection for yourself. Traditional female contraceptive methods, i.e., birth control pills, NUVA Ring, the patch, Depo shot, and IUDs, may protect you from unwanted pregnancies, but not Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs). Female and male genital condoms with proper spermicidal and latex materials, etc. should do a great job in protecting you from transmitting sexual diseases. However, make sure you and your partner are healthy prior to engaging in sexual acts. Also remember, sexually transmitted diseases are not limited to sexual intercourse. Oral and anal sex acts can also transmit such diseases. And finally, sex should be consensual. No matter if you are married, single, or somewhere in between, each person has a right to his/her own body. It is important that we seek education on what it means to be violated and to protect ourselves from it. Take time this month to find out your sexual responsibilities and ways you can better protect this area of your health.
In the wake of the Supreme Court hearings on the Affordable Care Act, we have heard so much about the government requiring health insurance. RMDSF is a nonprofit and nonpolitical entity focusing on bringing health awareness and promotion to our communities. It is our opinion that people should be encouraged to access health care and given an opportunity to do so. Therefore, as we look the various health designations for April, we find that a common theme runs through "Health is also a PERSONAL responsibility." April is designated as Alcohol Awareness Month, STD Awareness Month, National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and for various other controllable and preventable health concerns. So this month, we issue a NO APRIL FOOL'S challenge of "3 Things to Do For Your Health."
April Monthly Challenge: Three Things
A List of April Health Designations
Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month
Alcohol Awareness Month
STD Awareness Month
Minority Cancer Month
National Autism Awareness Month
Irritable Bowel Syndrome Awareness Month
Cesarean Awareness Month
Women's Eye Health and Safety Month
National Distracted Driving Awareness Month
National Facial Protection Month
Cancer Control Month
Counseling Awareness Month
National Occupational Therapy Month
National Donate Life Month
Foot Health Awareness Month
National Child Abuse Prevention Month
4/5: National Alcohol Screening Day
4/7: World Health Day
4/7-8: Alcohol Free Weekend
4/7-13: National Public Health Week
4/24: World Meningitis Day
4/22-28: National Infertility Awareness Week
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