Posted on Monday, February 10, 2025
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by AMAC, D.J. Wilson
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February is typically associated with special events such as Black History Month, Groundhog Day, and Washington and Lincoln’s birthdays. It is also known for Super Bowl Sunday and for Valentine’s Day celebrated annually on February 14th. Above all, this second month of the year stands out for important health awareness events. Let’s use the image of Valentine’s hearts to remember that February is focused on heart health. In addition to American Heart Month, here are some other significant happenings.
Why the acknowledgment?
Creating awareness of medical conditions garners support for those facing physical and mental challenges. As a community, people can join forces to volunteer for and/or contribute to a variety of health causes. Together, we can:
- Assist those in need
- Support individuals and their families
- Increase education
- Spread knowledge
- And back organizations seeking to:
February health awareness short list
Here are five examples of awareness causes for the month of February, a short list of many worthy ones. Click here for a more detailed list of major observances for February 2025 as supplied by Good Housekeeping.
- American Heart Month: February is a month focused on educating people about heart health and raising awareness of cardiovascular disease. Among the goals of heart month is to reduce the impact of heart disease, the leading cause of death in the United States. The American Heart Association encourages people to live healthy lifestyles by exercising, eating well, and practicing smoking cessation. They also encourage regular heart checkups and support research into heart disease treatment and cures. This non-profit organization greatly encourages people to learn lifesaving CPR.
- National Cancer Prevention Month: February is the month focused on cancer prevention. Per statistics shared by AACR, American Association for Cancer Research, the federal government estimates that 2 million Americans were diagnosed with cancer (other than non-melanoma skin cancer) during 2024, and that more than 600,000 died from their disease. Research shows that perhaps nearly half of the deaths may be attributed to preventable causes such as smoking, too much sun exposure, carrying excessive weight, and more. This awareness encourages people to live healthily and to modify or eliminate negative behaviors for the prevention of cancer.
- National Organ Donor Day: Observed annually on February 14, this day is designed to raise awareness of the life-saving benefits of being an organ donor. Per The Alliance, the focus of National Organ Donor Day is on five different types of donations: organs, tissues, marrow, platelets, and blood. They explain that on average, 20 people die each day waiting for a transplant. Just one organ donor can save as many as eight lives. Registering as an organ or tissue donor is an important decision. Planning and solidifying one’s wishes can make the process smoother for families experiencing the loss of a loved one.
- National Caregivers Day: Taking place annually on the third Friday of February, this day recognizes the contributions of caregivers in the United States. Per Senior Living, about 53 million U.S. adults assist older relatives, spouses, friends, and neighbors with daily tasks like cooking and dressing. These helpers work selflessly and tirelessly in demanding roles as caregivers and often serve without recognition. This day specifically lets caregivers know they are appreciated for their significant work, particularly in caring for those who are elderly and those facing mental and physical challenges. The goal is to raise ongoing awareness of the essential services caregivers provide and to appreciate their value to society.
- Rare Disease Day: The National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) is the official sponsor of Rare Disease Day in the United States. This globally recognized movement plays a crucial role in building international and diverse rare disease communities, uniting people with various rare diseases under one common cause. The main purpose of Rare Disease Day is to increase awareness and understanding of rare diseases, to provide access to diagnosis and therapies, to support those living with rare diseases, to help their families, and to increase advocacy and push for cures. The day is observed each year on the last day of February.
A month of hope
February is the second month of the year, offering support of valuable causes and serving as a month of hope and possibility. These five super important medical causes represent a few of many great ones deserving of recognition and support now and throughout the year. Aiding and assisting health-promoting partners and organizations is an excellent way to raise public awareness and move toward treatments and cures. Together, we can make a difference.
Coming soon: March short list. Last month’s article: For January’s short list of major observances click here.
Read the full article here
