February 2024 Health Awareness Initiatives
National Health Observances (NHOs) are special days, weeks, or months dedicated to raising awareness about important health topics.
Each month, various health initiatives are promoted to increase awareness of the cause and improve health across the country.
The health awareness initiatives in February 2024 include, but are not limited to:
- American Heart Month: Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, which is why the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) celebrates American Heart Month to encourage healthy habits to prevent heart disease.
- National Cancer Prevention Month: The federal government estimates that nearly 2 million Americans were diagnosed with cancer (other than non-melanoma skin cancer) during 2023, and that more than 600,000 died from their disease. The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) is committed to advancing the science of cancer prevention.
- National Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)/Low Vision Awareness Month: These campaigns raise awareness and education around AMD. The National Eye Institute has various resources and advice, including videos, webinars, fact sheets, and more.
- International Prenatal Infection Prevention Month: The goal of this campaign is to raise awareness around prenatal infections.
- Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week: Held each year from February 7-14, this initiative recognizes children and adults living with congenital heart disease and provides educational opportunities to learn more. CHDs affect approximately one in every 100 births every year throughout the US.
Please keep in mind that these initiatives may vary from year to year, and new observances may be added.
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